Australia Energy Information

Australia Energy Research

- Australia's Energy & Climate Policy Framework: Australia aims for 82% renewable electricity by 2030 and a 43% emissions cut from 2005 levels. The federal and state governments share energy responsibilities, with key bodies like the DCCEEW and ECMC coordinating policies. The National Electricity Market (NEM) covers 80% of consumption, while gas and coal policies balance energy security with climate goals. Renewables are prioritised, with hydrogen and efficiency measures also supported.

- Australia's Energy Companies: Australia's energy sector features diverse companies across electricity, oil, gas, and coal. Key players include AGL and Origin Energy in electricity, Woodside and Chevron in oil, and Glencore and BHP in coal. Transmission and distribution networks are managed by state-specific entities. The sector is transitioning towards renewables, with significant investments in green hydrogen projects.

- Australia's Energy Supply & Demand: Australia's energy mix has shifted significantly since 2010, with coal's share decreasing by 25 percentage points, offset by solar and wind, which increased by 27 percentage points. Gas production and exports have stabilised after rapid growth from 2010 to 2020. Total energy supply has remained steady at around 130 Mtoe/year, with per capita consumption decreasing by 20% to 4.8 toe/cap. The country possesses vast energy resources, including substantial coal, gas, and uranium reserves. Electricity generation has seen a notable shift, with coal's share dropping by 25 percentage points, while solar and wind have risen to 18% and 11%, respectively. Australia remains a major exporter of coal, gas, and uranium, with significant exports to Asia. Despite reductions in coal use, Australia's CO₂ emissions remain high, with efforts needed to meet climate commitments.

- Australia's Energy Use & Price by Sector: "Final energy demand in Australia rose 2.5% annually since 2022, reaching 83 Mtoe in 2024, with oil dominating (53%). Transport (39%) leads consumption, followed by industry (28%) and buildings (26%). Electricity's share remains at 23%, though it must reach 57% by 2050 to meet climate goals. Industry and transport rely heavily on oil and gas, while residential sectors see stable energy use. Temporary price caps on gas and coal were introduced to curb rising costs."

- Australia's Issues & Prospects: Australia is rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity, with significant investments in solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage. The AEMO's 2024 Integrated System Plan outlines a 30-year roadmap for the National Electricity Market, aiming for a sixfold increase in utility-scale renewables and substantial growth in storage. Queensland's USUSD 40bn clean energy plan targets 22 GW of new wind and solar by 2035. Meanwhile, gas and coal projects face challenges, with delays in LNG import terminals and mothballing of gas-fired plants. Green hydrogen projects are also gaining momentum, supported by government strategies and funding.

Australia Total Energy Production & Consumption

Since 2010, the primary energy consumption has fluctuated around 130 Mtoe/year. Per capita consumption has decreased by 20% since 2010 to 4.8 toe/cap.

The share of coal has decreased by 12 points (pp) since 2010 to 27.5% in 2024, while the shares of and oil, natural gas, primary electricity increased to 35%, 25.5 and 6%, respectively in 2024 (+3.5 pp for oil, + 4.5 pp for oil and + 5 pp for solar and wind).

Graph: Primary Consumption Trends by Energy Source

Source: Australia energy report

Interactive Chart Australia Total Energy Production & Consumption

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

Australia Oil Production & Consumption

Australia's production of liquid hydrocarbons (crude oil, condensates, and NGLs) decreased by 7%/year from 2020 to 15 Mt in 2024, after an increase of over 40% between 2018 and 2020, reaching 20 Mt. Oil production halved between its peak at 32 Mt in 2000 and 2024, due to the decline in production from mature basins. The production is mostly due to its two largest producing basins, the Browse and Carnarvon basins in north-western Australia.

Source: Australia energy report

Interactive Chart Australia Crude Oil Production & Consumption

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

Interactive Chart Australia Refined Oil Products Production & Consumption

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

Australia Natural Gas Production & Consumption

Natural gas production has been fluctuating since 2022 at around 160 bcm after having almost tripled between 2010 and 2020 to 156 bcm (+11%/year). Most of the production is sourced from three basins: the Carnarvon Basin (north-west Western Australia), the Gippsland Basin (Victoria), and the Cooper-Eromanga Basin (central Australia).

Production of coal bed methane (CBM), or Coal Seam Gas (CSG) as it is referred to in Australia, has been on the rise and accounted for 21% of the total production in 2023; its production is entirely concentrated in the State of Queensland.

Source: Australia energy report

Interactive Chart Australia Gas Production & Consumption

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

Australia Coal and Lignite Production & Consumption

Coal and lignite production has decreased by 2%/year from its peak in 2015 (512 Mt) to 2023 and increased slightly in 2024 to 450 Mt (of which, 166 Mt was coking coal).

Source: Australia energy report

Interactive Chart Australia Coal and Lignite Production & Consumption

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data

Australia GHG emissions and CO₂ emissions

In 2025, Australia raised its carbon emission reduction target to 62%-70% by 2035, previously set at 40% reduction by 2030 (from 2005 levels).

The government committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050 in its Long-Term Strategy (2021). Sectoral pathways were issued in 2025 at the request of the Parliament. Several Australian states have set more ambitious targets:

- Victoria has set a 75-80% reduction in 2035 and a net zero target in 2045;

- New South Wales government plans a 70% reduction by 2035;

Source: Australia energy report

Interactive Chart Australia CO₂ emissions

Source: Global Energy & CO₂ data