The electricity sector in Australia has been historically dominated by coal-fired power stations, but renewables are forming a rapidly growing fraction of supply. In 2021, Australia's electricity production reached 265 TWh, with coal accounting for 52.9% and natural gas for 18.8%. Renewable sources, comprising solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy with waste, collectively made up 26.7% of the total electricity generation mix.[1][2]
Due to its large size and the location of its population, Australia lacks a single grid that covers all states, but has a transmission grid that extends along the east coast from Queensland via New South Wales and Victoria to South Australia and also connects via the Basslink submarine DC cable with Tasmania.[3]
Since 2005, wind power and rooftop solar have led to a fast growing share of renewable energy in total electricity generation.[4] Generation from renewable sources reached a share of 32.5 per cent in 2021, an increase from 16.9 per cent in 2017.[5]
The Australian Government is advancing various reforms through its Powering Australia plan, with a goal for renewables to constitute 82% of the national electricity mix by 2030. This initiative is a key part of the government's broader strategy to lower emissions by 43% from 2005 levels by 2030, aiming for net zero emissions by 2050.[1][2]
- ^ a b "Australia 2023 – Analysis". IEA. 19 April 2023. Retrieved 28 March 2024.
- ^ a b "Australia 2023 Energy Policy Review" (PDF). International Energy Agency (IEA). April 2023.
- ^ Map of transmission lines and generators in Australia, 2009
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