In brief
Australia’s physical energy exports dropped 3.1 % in 2024‑25 to their lowest level in a decade, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Black coal and liquefied natural gas—its two main export commodities—fell 1.1 % and 2.2 % respectively. By contrast, renewable electricity output rose sharply, with solar up 11 % and wind up 15 %.
Official data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on 29 October 2026 shows that Australia’s physical energy exports—comprising coal, liquefied natural gas (LNG), uranium and crude oil—fell 3.1 % in the 2024‑25 period, marking the lowest export level in ten years.
The decline is led by black coal, which remains the country’s largest export commodity but slipped 1.1 %. LNG, the second-largest export, dropped 2.2 %. Together, the two fossil‑fuel categories account for the majority of Australia’s export portfolio, and their reductions are the primary driver of the overall 3.1 % decline.
In contrast, the renewable‑energy sector shows consistent growth. The ABS Energy Account report indicates that renewable electricity production was up almost 10 % in 2024‑25, following a 5 % rise the year prior. Solar generation, the largest renewable source, increased 11 %, while wind output grew 15 %. Renewable infrastructure expansion and investment are contributing to these gains.
Solar and wind growth are significant given Australia’s large potential for intermittent renewables. Solar output benefits from the country’s high solar irradiance, while wind projects have expanded in coastal and inland regions where wind speeds exceed the 1.5 m/s threshold that makes turbines economically viable.
Household energy consumption in Australia also rose, but only modestly—by 0.3 % in 2024‑25. The ABS notes that petrol, electricity and natural gas remain the main sources of energy for Australian households, indicating sustained demand for fossil fuels domestically even as export volumes decline.
The shift from fossil‑fuel exports to renewable electricity production reflects broader energy transition trends. Australia’s declining coal and LNG export figures align with global moves toward decarbonisation, while the country’s export of renewable energy potential signals an intent to diversify its export mix.
From a policy perspective, the data suggest a changing strategic landscape for Australia’s energy sector. Trade‑related revenue from coal and LNG is curtailed, potentially prompting a re‑allocation of resources toward renewables and energy technology exports, such as solar panel manufacturing and wind turbine components.
International markets are watching these trends closely. The drop in Australian coal exports may influence supply curves in key importing countries, while stronger solar output could increase Australia’s participation in the global renewable market.
Trends in household energy use also have implications for demand forecasting. The modest 0.3 % rise in total household energy, with consistent use of petrol, electricity and natural gas, indicates that domestic consumption patterns are relatively stable, providing a counterbalance to export fluctuations.
Further data releases from the ABS in the coming months will likely elaborate on these initial findings and clarify the long‑term trajectory of Australia’s energy exports and renewable production.