The given pie charts illustrate the distribution of energy sources used in Australia by percentage in 2008 and projections for 2030.
As can be seen, fossil fuels continued to dominate Australia’s energy mix, but coal’s share declined markedly by 2030 while oil and gas gained ground. The scientists predict that oil will be the largest energy source.
In 2008, hydro made up the least contribution to Australia’s energy sources, which stood at 0.2%. These figures for wind and solar energy were less than 1%, at 0.3% and 0.8%. However, the main energy source provided to power Australia was coal; it was 39%. Following coal, energy sources such as gas and oil stood at 22.9% and 32.5%.
In 2030, oil will be the main energy source for Australians, witnessing a slight increase to 35.5%. Hydro and wind energy are expected to increase, standing at 0.7% and 0.9%. Geothermal power is introduced at 4.3% in 2030, while solar energy falls to 0%. While the use of gas will increase to 32%, this figure for coal will experience a gradual downward trend, making up 22.30%. Others will remain unchanged over the twenty-two-year period.