1301.0 - Year Book Australia, 2003  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 24/01/2003   
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Contents >> Energy >> Energy use

Total energy consumption in 1998-99 was 4,858 PJ, of which about two-thirds was delivered to end use consumers and one-third lost in conversion, transmission and distribution. Graph 15.12 shows Australian energy consumption over the 25 years, 1977-78 to 1998-99. Growth rates in total energy consumption over recent years (after a slowdown in the early 1990s) have been above the long-term average for the 25-year period. Annual fluctuations are, to a significant extent, attributable to changes in Australia's rate of economic growth.

Graph - 15.12 Energy consumption



Natural gas has been the fastest growing primary energy over the 20 years 1978-79 to 1998-99 (graph 15.13). The growth rate for coal (black and brown) has also been above the overall trend, due primarily to the strong growth in electricity generation over the period (graph 15.14). The consumption of crude oil has also grown significantly, reflecting the heavy use of petroleum products in the transport sector. The annual growth in consumption of renewable energy sources has declined over the years (ANZMEC 2001).

Graph - 15.13 Primary Energy products used



Graph - 15.14 Secondary energy products used



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