The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources has published the 2020 Australian Energy Statistics showing that energy generation from renewables had grown strongly over the past year.
The statistics reveal that gas generation had also increased, underpinned by continued essential generation from coal.
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor said the statistics covered all electricity generation in Australia, including by power plants and by businesses and households for their own use.
“The new data shows 21 per cent of Australia’s electricity came from renewable energy last year, up from 19 per cent in 2018,” Mr Taylor said.
“The largest increase in renewable generation was in large-scale solar, up 135 per cent, followed by small-scale solar, up 25 per cent, and wind generation up 19 per cent.”
He said gas-fired generation also grew to account for 21 per cent of Australia’s total generation.
Mr Taylor said the increase in renewable generation was driven by record levels of new investment, with 6.3 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity delivered in 2019 and a similar level expected to be delivered in 2020.
“Australia continues to be a world leader in renewable energy, with ongoing increases in renewable capacity and generation,” the Minister said.
“This latest data also demonstrates the continuing importance of coal and the significant and growing reliance on gas to back our significant renewable capacity.”
The Department’s statistics can be accessed from its website at this PS News link.
