Rajan Wilcox
Australia's fossil fuel consumption and exports are a pressing issue, with the country's energy consumption rising 2% in 2022–23 to 5,882 petajoules. Fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) accounted for 91% of Australia's primary energy mix in 2022–23, with oil having the largest share at 39%. Australia is the world's third-largest exporter of fossil fuels, and its exports of coal and gas were responsible for 1.15 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2023. The country's domestic GHG emissions per capita are among the highest globally, and its fossil fuel exports are expected to increase under current government policies, threatening to undermine international efforts to limit global warming.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fossil fuels as a % of Australia's primary energy mix | 91% in 2022-23 |
| Oil as a % of Australia's primary energy mix | 39% in 2022-23 |
| Coal as a % of Australia's primary energy mix | 26% in 2022-23 |
| Gas as a % of Australia's primary energy mix | 26% in 2022-23 |
| Renewable energy sources as a % of Australia's primary energy mix | 9% |
| Australia's share of global fossil fuel CO2 emissions | 4.5% |
| Australia's share of global fossil fuel exports | Third largest exporter after Russia and the US |
| Australia's share of fossil fuel CO2 emissions exports | Second largest |
| Australia's fossil fuel exports CO2 emissions in 2023 | 1.15 billion tonnes |
| Australia's domestic CO2 emissions from fossil fuel exports in 2023 | 46 million tonnes |
| Australia's fossil fuel exports as a % of the world's remaining carbon budget by 2035 | 7.5% |
| Australia's fossil fuel exports CO2 emissions by 2035 | 50% more than the entire period from 1961 to 2023 |
| Australia's share of global fossil fuel production | Fifth largest producer of coal and seventh largest producer of gas |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's fossil fuel exports
Australia is one of the world's largest exporters of fossil fuels, ranking third behind Russia and Saudi Arabia. Australia's fossil fuel exports contribute significantly to global emissions, with 80% of its emissions coming from these exports. The country's exports are projected to add 15 billion tonnes of CO2 to the atmosphere by 2035, bringing the total emissions from its export sector since 1961 to 45 billion tonnes. This is despite Australia's domestic emissions only accounting for around 1% of global emissions.
The Australian government's policies enabling high fossil fuel exports have been criticised for threatening to sabotage international efforts to limit global warming. Australia's domestic territorial emissions are also impacted by fossil fuel production, although the majority of emissions from Australian fossil fuels occur overseas when they are combusted or used.
Australia's primary energy mix in 2022-23 consisted of 39% oil, 26% coal, and 26% gas, with fossil fuels accounting for 91% of its total energy consumption. Australia is also increasing its fossil gas extraction, mainly for LNG production and export, which is expected to contribute to a rise in emissions.
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Australia's contribution to global warming
Australia's domestic energy consumption in 2022-23 was 5,882 petajoules, with fossil fuels accounting for 91% of its primary energy mix. Oil made up 39% of this mix, followed by coal and gas at 26% each. The country's domestic GHG emissions per capita are among the highest globally.
However, Australia's role as a major fossil fuel exporter has an even larger impact on global warming. Australia is the world's third-largest exporter of fossil fuels, primarily coal and gas. While the exported fossil fuels are burned outside Australia's borders, the resulting CO₂ emissions contribute to global warming, affecting everyone. Australia's coal and gas exports were responsible for 1.15 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions in 2023. Additionally, 46 million tonnes of CO₂ were emitted domestically during the extraction, processing, and distribution of these fossil fuels for export.
Australia's fossil fuel exports are expected to continue at current levels through 2035 under the current government policies. While thermal coal exports may decline slightly, exports of metallurgical coal and LNG are projected to remain unchanged. Australia's fossil fuel exports alone are estimated to consume around 7.5% of the world's remaining carbon budget by 2035, making it challenging to limit global warming to the targeted 1.5°C.
Australia's actions as a major fossil fuel exporter are critical in addressing global warming. By failing to transition away from fossil fuels and phase out exports, Australia undermines its commitment to becoming a renewable energy superpower and risks sabotaging international efforts to limit temperature rise.
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Australia's domestic emissions
Australia is one of the highest per capita greenhouse gas emitters among developed countries, and its domestic emissions are largely driven by the country's reliance on fossil fuels. In 2019, Australia emitted an estimated 534 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2-e) from energy and industrial processes, according to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. The electricity sector is the single largest source of emissions, accounting for around a third of the total. This is due to the country's heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants, which produce cheap and abundant electricity but also result in high emissions. Despite Australia being a leader in solar and wind energy capacity per person, the electricity sector still emits 179 Mt of CO2-e, which is around 34% of the total emissions.
The transportation sector is the second-largest contributor to domestic emissions, accounting for around 18% of the total. This includes emissions from road, rail, aviation, and marine transport, with road transport being the largest emitter due to the high number of private vehicles in use. The Australian government has recognized the need to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce emissions, but currently, there is a lack of incentives and infrastructure to support this shift. The government has, however, implemented fuel efficiency standards for new light vehicles, which is a step towards reducing transport emissions.
The agricultural sector, including land use, land-use change, and forestry, contributes around 14% of Australia's domestic emissions. This includes emissions from livestock, soil, and vegetation, as well as land clearing and deforestation. The country has a large agricultural industry, and land management practices have a significant impact on emissions. The Australian government has committed to reducing emissions in this sector through various initiatives, including the Emissions Reduction Fund, which provides incentives for farmers to adopt more sustainable land management practices.
Additionally, the industrial sector, including manufacturing, construction, and mining, contributes around 12% of total emissions. This includes emissions from the production and processing of goods, as well as the use of fossil fuels in these industries. The mining industry, in particular, is a major emitter due to the energy-intensive nature of extracting and processing resources. The remaining emissions come from a variety of sources, including commercial and residential buildings, waste management, and other industrial processes.
It is important to note that Australia's domestic emissions have been steadily decreasing over the years due to various government initiatives and the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources. However, the country still has a long way to go to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Australia has committed to a target of net zero emissions by 2050, and reducing domestic emissions will be a key part of achieving this goal.
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Australia's fossil fuel production
Australia is one of the world's largest exporters of fossil fuels, with fossil fuel exports contributing significantly to its domestic territorial emissions. However, the majority of emissions from Australian fossil fuels occur outside the country when they are combusted or used internationally. Australia's fossil fuel exports include coal and gas, and these exports are projected to continue at current levels through to 2035, threatening the 1.5°C global warming limit.
In the 2022-23 fiscal year, Australia's energy consumption increased by 2%, reaching 5,882 petajoules. Fossil fuels accounted for 91% of the country's primary energy mix during this period, with oil having the largest share at 39%, followed by coal and gas, each contributing 26%. Fossil fuels contributed 65% of Australia's total electricity generation in 2023, with coal accounting for 46%, gas for 17%, and oil for 2%.
Australia has high domestic greenhouse gas emissions per capita, ranking among the highest globally. The country's fossil fuel exports have resulted in a global carbon footprint that exceeds its economic size and population. From 1961 to 2023, Australia's fossil fuel exports were responsible for 30 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions, with 80% of these emissions attributed to its fossil fuel exports.
Under current government policies, Australia's carbon emissions are projected to increase by 50% over the next decade, consuming 9% of the global carbon budget required to limit warming to 1.5°C. Australia's fossil fuel production and exports have significant implications for its domestic emissions and international climate commitments, such as the Paris Agreement.
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Australia's energy consumption
Australia is a significant player in the global fossil fuel industry, ranking as the world's third-largest exporter of these fuels, after Russia and the United States. Notably, Australia exports a substantial amount of coal, making it the second-largest exporter of fossil fuel carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. In 2023, Australia's coal and gas exports resulted in 1.15 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions. An additional 46 million tonnes of CO₂ were emitted domestically during the extraction, processing, and distribution processes for export.
The nation's fossil fuel exports have far-reaching climate implications. While the majority of emissions from these exports occur outside Australia's borders, the country's role in the industry significantly contributes to global warming. Between 2023 and 2035, Australia's fossil fuel exports are projected to consume around 7.5% of the world's estimated remaining carbon budget, which is crucial for limiting global warming to 1.5°C. However, current government policies are set to increase CO₂ emissions from these exports, undermining international efforts to combat climate change.
Despite Australia's significant fossil fuel exports, it is important to acknowledge the country's domestic emissions as well. Australia's domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per capita are among the highest globally. The nation's domestic territorial emissions are substantially impacted by fossil fuel production, and its commitments under the Paris Agreement are closely linked to these emissions. However, Australia's plans and policies often contradict the global transition away from fossil fuels, posing challenges to its ambition to become a renewable energy leader.
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Frequently asked questions
Fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) accounted for 91% of Australia's primary energy mix in 2022-23. Oil accounted for the largest share at 39%, followed by coal and gas at 26% each.
Australia is the world's third-largest exporter of fossil fuels, after Russia and the United States. While most of its exports are burned outside its borders, the resulting carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions contribute to Australia's global carbon footprint, which far exceeds its economic size and population.
Australia's fossil fuel exports are expected to consume about 7.5% of the world's remaining carbon budget by 2035, undermining international efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The country's plans to increase fossil fuel production are inconsistent with the global commitment to transition away from fossil fuels.
Australia's domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per capita are among the highest globally. In 2023, Australia's fossil fuel exports resulted in 1.15 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions, with an additional 46 million tonnes emitted domestically during the extraction, processing, and distribution processes.
