ENERGY consumption in Australia rose in 2014-15 after two years of decline, supported by a rebound in coal use for electricity generation, according to a new federal government report.

The Australian Energy Update 2016 shows oil remained the largest primary energy source in Australia, at 38 per cent in 2014–15, followed by coal (32 per cent) and natural gas (24 per cent). Renewables accounted for six per cent of Australia’s energy mix.

“After five years of decline, coal use rose by three per cent in 2014–15, although consumption is still around 20 per cent lower than its peak in 2008–09,” the report says.

Compiled to present a statistical picture of how energy supply and use in Australia continues to change, the report also reveals that for the first time in more than a decade, energy use in the mining sector fell in 2014-15.

“This decline in energy use occurred across the sector, despite general growth in output, and reflects cost cutting measures and adoption of less energy-intensive technologies,” it says.

Coal and gas production and exports continued to grow, as did production in wind and solar energy.

“Black coal production rose by four per cent in 2014-15 to 12,288 petajoules, supported by new capacity for export markets and increased domestic demand. Brown coal production also rose by more than eight per cent,” the report reads.

“Natural gas production rose by five per cent, underpinned by increased coal seam gas (CSG) production. CSG production accounted for 18 per cent of national gas production and nearly half of eastern market gas production in 2014–15.

“Renewable generation fell by seven per cent in 2014–15, comprising 14 per cent of total generation in Australia.”

Energy exports grew by five per cent in 2014–15 to 13,088 petajoules. Black coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports rose as additional capacity came on line.

Click here to download the Australian Energy Update 2016 report.