In 1998-99, 78% of total energy consumption was accounted for by three major sectors: electricity generation; transport; and manufacturing (table 15.15). Electricity generation is the largest energy consuming sector. The strong growth in energy consumption in that sector is attributed to increased electrification in all end use sectors; rapid growth in a number of industries in which electricity is the prime fuel source, such as the commercial and non-ferrous metal sectors; and technological innovation encouraging the use of new electrical appliances in all sectors (ANZMEC 2001).
The transport sector accounted for 25% of total energy consumption in 1998-99, and is the second largest energy user. Within the transport sector, road transport accounted for about 78% of energy consumed, of which two-thirds is attributed to passenger vehicles and the remainder to light commercial vehicles, trucks, and buses. Air transport grew rapidly in the late 1980s and much of the 1990s, resulting from the rapid growth of tourism and increased use of air travel in response to the improved competitiveness of air fares compared with other transport modes.
Strong growth in the mining sector reflects the rise in energy consumption in oil and gas mining, and in particular the development of a liquid natural gas industry in the late 1980s; the expanding demand for natural gas and for increased production of crude oil, condensate and liquid petroleum gas; and strong energy demand in other mining activities.
The strong growth in the commercial sector is attributed to the relatively fast growth of the sector. The effect on consumption of increased energy efficiency of individual appliances, applications and processes is being offset by the increased use of electrical equipment (ANZMEC 2001).
15.15 ENERGY CONSUMPTION(a), By sector
|
 | 1990-91 | 1994-95 | 1998-99 | Change since 1990-91 |
| PJ | PJ | PJ | % |
|
| Agriculture | 57.7 | 64.4 | 70.1 | 21.5 |
| Mining | 164.6 | 213.1 | 264.5 | 60.7 |
| Manufacturing | 1,073.9 | 1,132.4 | 1,177.0 | 9.6 |
| Electricity generation | 1,065.0 | 1,162.6 | 1,398.3 | 31.3 |
| Construction | 37.2 | 44.3 | 50.3 | 35.2 |
| Transport(b) | 1,003.0 | 1,139.3 | 1,231.2 | 22.8 |
| Commercial(c) | 156.8 | 179.2 | 210.5 | 34.2 |
| Residential(d) | 327.8 | 359.5 | 386.0 | 17.8 |
| Other(e) | 64.1 | 70.6 | 70.3 | 9.7 |
| Total | 3,949.9 | 4,365.3 | 4,858.3 | 23.0 |
|
(a) Fuels consumed less derived fuels produced.
(b) Includes all transport use, including household motor vehicle use.
(c) Includes wholesale and retail trade, communications, finance and insurance, property and business services, government administration and defence, education, health and community services, cultural and recreational services, and personal and other services, along with water, sewerage and drainage.
(d) Transport use by households is included in transport.
(e) Includes lubricants and greases, bitumen and solvents, as well as energy consumption in the gas production and distribution industries. |
Source: ABARE, electronic datasets. |
Print Page