Solar and wind outpaces household electricity needs

Solar and wind energy supply has exceeded household electricity use for the first time in 2021-22 according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Luisa Ryan, ABS head of environment statistics, said: “Continued growth in solar and wind production means that, for the first time, the output of electricity from these sectors was greater than total household demand in the same period of time”.

While some longer-term patterns have continued there are also some emerging behaviours.

“Less energy use in manufacturing continues a longer-term pattern of reduced energy consumption. Meanwhile household energy has continued to fall since its peak in 2016-17. In 2021-22 Household energy use dropped due to lower petrol and diesel consumption”, Ms Ryan said.

The transport industry saw the largest increase of any industry as air travel continued its resumption after the withdrawal of COVID-19 restrictions.

Energy exports of black coal fell 1.3 per cent in 2021-22. This was offset by an increase in Liquified Natural Gas exports, up 7.5 per cent.

Further information can be found in the Energy Account, Australia 2021-22 which presents national estimates of energy assets, and physical supply and use.