In 2024, Australia's electricity landscape is predominantly fueled by fossil sources, which account for more than half of the total consumption at 62%. Within this category, coal plays the most significant role at nearly 44%, while gas and oil contribute 17% and 2%, respectively. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy is responsible for about 38% of the electricity production, with solar power leading the pack at almost 20%, followed by wind at 13%, and hydropower providing approximately 5%. Biofuels contribute a small fraction, just above 1%. The notable presence of clean energy sources like solar and wind indicates an encouraging shift towards sustainable electricity generation, even as fossil fuel dominance persists.
Data sources used on this page include IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Australia?
Australia's electricity use per person has actually decreased compared to past levels, which is concerning. As of 2024, electricity consumption stands at approximately 10,272 kWh per person, a decline of over 1,300 kWh from the previous peak in 2002. This regression highlights a reduction in overall electricity usage, which could be attributed to various factors such as energy efficiency measures or economic shifts. Despite this dip in total consumption, there is a silver lining: the amount of low-carbon electricity has reached a new record of 3,885 kWh per person, showcasing an increase of 358 kWh compared to 2023. This growth in clean energy is promising, signaling Australia's commitment to enhancing its green electricity share.
Suggestions
To further boost its low-carbon electricity production, Australia can expand its successful solar and wind sectors, leveraging these technologies to generate even more electricity. Learning from regions renowned for their clean energy practices can provide valuable insights. For instance, Denmark and South Dakota, which generate over 50% of their electricity from wind, can offer strategies for scaling up wind energy. Meanwhile, looking at states like Nevada, which generates about a third of its electricity from solar, can guide Australia in maximizing its solar potential. Additionally, exploring nuclear energy for its stable and clean output could place Australia on par with nuclear leaders like France, where nuclear contributes a significant 70% of the electricity generation, showcasing the balance and reliability that nuclear energy can offer alongside wind and solar.
History
In the history of Australia's low-carbon electricity journey, different periods have seen fluctuating contributions from various sources. In 1980 and 2008, hydropower saw dips, though there were years like 2011 and 2013 where it rebounded slightly. A significant transformation began from 2014 onwards, particularly with advancements in wind and solar. The year 2019 marked a concerted shift as solar energy surged by almost 5 TWh, followed by substantial growth in the subsequent years. From 2020 to 2024, solar witnessed significant expansions, with double-digit growth figures, alongside encouraging boosts in wind energy. These advancements betoken a promising trajectory for low-carbon electricity, underscoring the importance of consistent investment and innovation in clean technologies to power a sustainable future for Australia.
