Gas consumption is continuing to rise, underscoring the important role the gas-fired recovery is playing in driving Australia’s economic recovery and in delivering the reliable and affordable energy all Australians rely on. 

The 2021 Australian Energy Statistics show that gas increased the most of all energy types in 2019–20 – growing 4 per cent.

In total, gas provided 27 per cent of Australia’s energy mix in 2019-20 and was the most-used energy source by the manufacturing sector, increasing to 42 per cent of manufacturers’ energy needs.

According to the latest data, coal remained the largest source of electricity generation and accounted for more than half of Australia’s electricity generation mix.

Renewables continued to increase as a share of total generation in calendar year 2020, rising to 24 per cent – up from 21 per cent the previous year.

As the share of renewables continues to grow, the statistics confirm the important role reliable energy sources like gas and coal continue to play in our energy system by providing the majority of generation.

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said dispatchable generation sources are crucial to keeping the lights on and putting downward pressure on prices.

“The Government is focused on protecting consumers from high prices and reliability risks as technologies in the energy sector change,” Minister Taylor said.

“We need to keep existing dispatchable supply in the market for as long as it is needed and ensure that retiring capacity is adequately replaced with new dispatchable generation to support the secure, reliable and affordable supply of electricity for all Australians.

“Balance is the key. The energy system is changing at an unprecedented pace, which is why we need to get the energy balance right to ensure Australian households and businesses can continue to access the power they need to grow and prosper.

“The manufacturing sector’s increasing use of gas also shows how gas is key to our economic prosperity. With manufacturing continuing to employ more and more Australians – now over 1 million – getting more gas out of the ground is more important than ever.”  

The statistics also highlight the significant impact COVID-19 had on some parts of Australia’s energy supply and use.

Overall energy consumption fell by 2.9 per cent in 2019-20, compared to average growth of 0.7 per cent in the previous decade. This was largely driven by a 9 per cent drop in the transport sector due to less passenger air and road travel.

The 2021 Australian Energy Statistics cover all energy used, produced and traded in Australia, including to power our electricity system, fuel our transport and sustain our manufacturing sector.

The Australian Energy Statistics are available here: https://www.energy.gov.au/government-priorities/energy-data/australian-energy-statistics 

Media contact:

Minister Taylor's office 02 6277 7120