In the period from May 2025 to April 2026, electricity consumption in Australia largely relied on fossil fuels, with over half of the electricity being generated from these sources. Coal remained the dominant fossil fuel, contributing approximately 43% of the total electricity. On the cleaner side, low-carbon energy sources made up a little over 42% of electricity generation. Within this, solar power was a significant player, producing 21% of the electricity, followed by wind at 16%. Hydropower contributed around 5%, showcasing the potential for diverse low-carbon electricity generation in the country. Unfortunately, fossil fuels still held a lead, highlighting the need for more substantial investment in clean energy technologies.

Is Electricity Growing in Australia?

Australia's overall electricity consumption per person was 9953 kWh in 2026, indicating a significant decline from the record high of 11613 kWh per person set in 2002. While this decline might appear negative at first glance, the region has seen promising growth in low-carbon electricity. The most recent figures show that low-carbon electricity generation reached 4211 kWh per person, surpassing the previous record set just a year earlier. This indicates a positive trend towards more sustainable energy generation, though it is important to note that overall electricity demand has not grown. As Australia moves forward, further steps must be taken to ensure electricity demand grows with the increasing need for clean energy solutions.

Suggestions

To further boost low-carbon electricity generation, Australia must expand its successful solar and wind infrastructure. With countries like Denmark leading in wind power, generating 60% of their electricity this way, Australia has proven models to follow. Additionally, nations like France and Slovakia with significant nuclear power generation offer valuable lessons. Establishing a robust nuclear power capacity could ensure reliable, low-carbon baseload electricity. Emulating regions such as Nevada and California, which successfully utilize solar for a substantial portion of their electricity, could further complement Australia's sunny disposition, propelling it towards a greener, more sustainable future.

History

Australia's history of low-carbon electricity has seen varied changes, particularly in the last few decades. The 2010s witnessed significant shifts, notably in 2013 when hydropower saw a growth of 4.2 TWh, before declining again in 2015 by 5 TWh. The latter part of the decade marked the rise of solar and wind energy, peaking in 2020 with solar expanding by 9.6 TWh and wind by 4.6 TWh. This upward trajectory continued into the 2020s as solar and wind consistently grew, with substantial increases like the 7.8 TWh solar boost in 2023 and a remarkable 7.1 TWh growth in wind energy in 2025. Such developments underscore Australia's potential for achieving a low-carbon future, motivating further expansion and investment in these green technologies.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (May 2025 – Apr 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.