The line graph illustrates information from a 2010 report regarding energy consumption in Australia across five distinct categories – oil, coal, natural gas, nuclear, and solar – from 1980 with future projections up to 2030. The units are measured in billion units.
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that all five fuel types are projected to experience an upward trend throughout the period. Oil consistently remains the most consumed source of energy, while solar and nuclear energy are expected to remain the lowest.
In 1980, oil was the most utilized fuel at approximately 35 billion units. Despite a slight dip in 1990, its consumption grew steadily and is projected to lead the future market at nearly 50 billion units by 2030. In contrast, coal consumption started lower at around 16 billion units but experienced consistent growth, overtaking natural gas by 1990. It is anticipated to reach over 30 billion units by the end of the period.
Regarding the remaining three categories, natural gas began as the second most used fuel at 20 billion units, but after fluctuating slightly until 2010, it is expected to rise moderately to 25 billion units by 2030, making it the third largest sector. Finally, nuclear and solar energy were the least consumed resources. Both started at around 3 billion units in 1980 and follow a nearly identical, gradual upward path, with nuclear and solar projected to reach roughly 8 billion and 6 billion units respectively by 2030.