The given pie charts compare the amount of electricity produced by 5 different fuel sources in France and Australia between 1980 and 2000.
Overall, it can be seen that in 1980 coal was the dominant category in Australia. In contrast, France had a roughly eqivalent proportion of resources, with hydro and nuclear powers being the least popular. However, while in 2000 coal rapidly overtook natural gas and oil, remaining the preferred option in Australia, France experienced a considerable shift in preference towards nuclear power, which surpassed all other fuel types.
During 1980, Australian total production of electricity was 100, which is 10 more than France’s output. Half of electricity in Australia was produced by coal, whereas in France coal contributed half that amount. The figure for hydro power was also greater in Australia, making up a fifth of the total, meanwhile, in France hydro power ranked as the least popular, accounting for only 5 units. Nevertheless, while Australia only made 20 with natural gas, along with 10 from oil, France represented 25 and 20 from natural gas and oil sources respectively. It is also notable, that in 1980 Australia did not contain nuclear power as their electricity source, but this type of source was already in use in France in the same year, making 15 units of the whole energetic capacity.
In 2000, France’s total production grew, being double that of 1980. France’s total output was also 10 units higher than in Australia that year. Whereas it is clear that coal remained as the highest figure in Australlia, generating more than 75% of electricity, nuclear power became the most popular category in France, contributing 126 units. Oil was barely used in Australia, but French manufacturing made up a 25 out of it. However, Australian hydro power exceeded France’s by 34. Coal also constituted 25 out of French’s total capacity. The segment for natural gas demonstrated a significant decrease for both nations, similarly representing the minority in France as well as in Australia.