In the year-long period from July 2025 to June 2026, Australia has demonstrated significant reliance on both fossil and clean electricity sources. More than half of the electricity, approximately 57.33%, comes from fossil energy, with coal and gas being the primary contributors at approximately 41.76% and 14.23%, respectively. Conversely, low-carbon electricity accounts for 42.67% of the total consumption. Solar energy, which has been on a remarkable rise, contributes about 21.07%, while wind energy follows with 15.88%. Hydropower adds about 4.77%, showcasing a range of sustainable solutions. The use of oil for electricity is almost negligible at 1.35%. This distribution underlines the ongoing importance of both coal and gas, but it also demonstrates a robust commitment to cleaner sources like solar and wind.

Is Electricity Growing in Australia?

Regarding electricity consumption trends in Australia, data suggests a decline in overall electricity use per person compared to the historical peak. The latest figures show an average of 10,018 kWh per person annually, which is noticeably less than the 11,613 kWh per person recorded in 2002, indicating a reduction of 1,595 kWh per individual. However, there is a bright spot in the growth of low-carbon electricity generation, which has increased from 4,104 kWh per person in 2025 to 4,274 kWh per person in 2026, reflecting an improvement of 171 kWh per person. While there's an overall decrease in total electricity consumption, the increase in low-carbon electricity is a step in the right direction for sustainability goals.

Suggestions

To elevate low-carbon electricity generation, Australia could focus on expanding its current wind and solar infrastructure, as these technologies are already yielding substantial results. Learning from countries like Denmark and Iowa, which have successfully integrated wind power to supply more than half of their electricity, Australia could enhance its wind capacity to further support its clean energy goals. Additionally, Australia could benefit from integrating nuclear energy into its strategy. Leading nuclear-powered regions such as France and Slovakia exemplify the potential of nuclear energy in contributing to a stable and sustainable electricity supply. By investing in nuclear alongside renewable sources such as solar, Australia can diversify its energy portfolio, minimize its reliance on fossil fuels, and take significant strides towards a clean energy future.

History

Examining the history of low-carbon electricity in Australia reveals fluctuating hydropower contributions over the years, with both increases and decreases noted since 1980. Notably, hydropower faced an increase in 2011 and 2013 but saw declines in several other years. In recent years, solar and wind energy have experienced robust growth, especially from 2018 onwards. In 2019, both solar and wind saw substantial increases in contribution, a trend that continued strongly through 2020 and beyond. Solar energy, in particular, had significant growth spurts in 2021 and 2023. Wind energy also demonstrated a marked increase into 2025, underscoring the rising importance and capacity of these clean energy forms in Australia's energy landscape. This positive trend signals the potential for further enhancements and expansion, particularly with wind and solar energy, to meet Australia's future electricity demands sustainably.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.