Energy in Australia

Figure 5.1: Australia’s renewable energy production
350
300
250
PJ
200
150
100
50
0
2005
–06
2006
–07
2007
–08
2008
–09
2009
–10
2010
–11
2011
–12
Bagasse Wood and woodwaste Biogas/biofuels
Hydro Solar hotwater Solar electricity Wind
Source: Department of Industry and Science (2015) Australian Energy Statistics, Table F and O
2012
–13
2013
–14
Total renewable energy production increased by 3 per cent a year over the
ten years to 2013–14. The largest increases over the past ten years have
occurred in solar electricity and wind electricity production (58 per cent
and 31 per cent growth a year respectively). The increase in renewable
energy production was also underpinned by the growth in hydroelectricity
although the growth in hydroelectricity reflects variable flow associated
with periods of rain and drought, rather than increased capacity.
The manufacturing sector accounted for 34 per cent of total renewable
energy consumption in 2013–14. This is mainly in the food, beverages
and textiles and the wood, paper and printing subsectors, which use wood
and bagasse in manufacturing processes to produce heat. The residential
sector accounted for 19 percent of renewable energy use in Australia in
2013–14, mostly firewood, for heating and cooking, and solar energy for
hot water. Rooftop solar PV is not included in the residential sector, and is
captured in the electricity generation sector. Ethanol and biodiesel for road
transport accounted for 2 per cent of renewable energy use in Australia in
2013–14.
ENERGY IN AUSTRALIA 2015 55