Emissions - Electricity

Electricity production is the biggest contributor to Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.

This is primarily due to our reliance on coal-fired power plants, which are highly emissions-intensive.

Natural gas and, to a lesser extent, oil, have also played key roles in Australia's energy mix.

As the demand for electricity has grown, so too has the impact of its production on Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.

Renewable energy has a low carbon footprint.

In Australia, the shift towards renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power is a major part of the emissions reduction strategy.

The lifecycle emissions of renewables, including manufacturing, installation, operation, and decommissioning, are far lower than those of coal, oil, and natural gas.

Studies show that renewable energy systems can reduce emissions by up to 90-99% compared to conventional fossil fuels.

Australia's reliance on non-renewable energy sources, particularly coal, natural gas, and oil, is a massive contributor to the country's greenhouse gas emissions.

These fossil fuels are the primary sources of energy for electricity, heating, transportation, and industrial processes in Australia.

They emit a wide range of greenhouse gases throughout their lifecycle.

Here's a guide to each non-renewable fuel type.

Different fuel types have vastly different effects on greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity sector. Here is a breakdown.

Coal produces the highest amount of CO2 emissions per unit of electricity generated.

Wind generates electricity without direct emissions of greenhouse gases. The main emissions come from the manufacturing, transportation, and installation of turbines, but these are relatively low over the turbine's lifecycle.

Emissions intensity is the greenhouse gas emissions produced per unit of output, such as per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated.

Lower emissions intensity means that less CO2 is released for the amount of energy produced, signifying a more efficient and environmentally friendly production process.

Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power stand out for their low emissions intensity.

Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by an organisation.

Scope 1 emissions in the electricity sector are generated through the combustion of fuels to produce electricity and, to a lesser extent, from the process and fugitive emissions associated with fuel extraction, processing, and delivery.

Scope 2 emissions refer to indirect greenhouse gas emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat, or steam.

Unlike Scope 1, these emissions occur at the place where the energy is generated, not where it is used.

For companies, Scope 2 emissions are a significant part of their carbon footprint, especially for those in sectors with high electricity or thermal energy needs.