As of 2025, Australia's electricity consumption is characterized by a notable mix of fossil fuels and low-carbon sources. Fossil fuels still represent a significant portion of the electricity generation mix, with coal being the dominant source, contributing slightly over 42%. Gas contributes about 15%, while oil accounts for a negligible amount at around 1.5%. On the other hand, low-carbon energy sources account for just over 41% of electricity generation. Solar power has made remarkable progress, contributing more than 20%, closely followed by wind at approximately 15%. Hydropower, an established low-carbon source, adds a modest 4.5%. Such distribution demonstrates a significant shift towards cleaner energy, yet it also highlights the persistent reliance on fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Australia?
The trend in electricity consumption in Australia shows a decline in total per capita usage from its peak in 2002. The current figure stands at 10,140 kWh per person, representing a reduction of nearly 1,500 kWh per person when compared to 2002. Despite this decline in total electricity consumption, there is positive news in the realm of low-carbon electricity. The per capita generation from low-carbon sources reached 4,166 kWh, marking an increase from 2024. This indicates both a commitment toward cleaner energy and a growing capacity to produce electricity in an environmentally friendly manner. While overall consumption is down, the emphasis on green electricity generation is a promising sign for the future.
Suggestions
Australia can further accelerate the development of low-carbon electricity by expanding its existing solar and wind infrastructures. Given the substantial contributions these sources have already made, amplifying their presence could have significant benefits for clean energy production. Additionally, looking towards regions with successful low-carbon strategies could provide valuable insights. For example, Denmark's impressive 60% of electricity generation from wind highlights the potential for similar projects in Australia. Moreover, countries like Finland, which harnesses 37% of its electricity from nuclear energy, demonstrate the viability of nuclear as a major clean energy source. By adopting and adapting strategies from these examples, Australia can bolster its green electricity generation capacity, combining innovations in solar and wind with the reliable base-load power of nuclear energy to minimize fossil fuel dependence.
History
In reviewing the history of low-carbon electricity generation in Australia, there have been various developments over the decades. The early 1980s saw a decline in hydropower, a trend which unfortunately continued into the new millennium with intermittent fluctuations. In contrast, recent years have witnessed a remarkable upsurge in solar and wind energy. Starting in 2018, wind energy saw incremental growth, complemented by substantial annual increases in solar generation since 2019. This period marked a shift toward significant growth in clean energy, culminating in 2025, where wind achieved a notable jump forward. These trends present an optimistic outlook for Australia’s commitment to low-carbon energy, although there is still room for further expansion and investment to achieve even greater levels of clean energy capacity.
