Stationary energy sector greenhouse gas emissions

Key Finding

Queensland’s stationary energy sector includes the generation of electricity for use by industry, businesses, and households as well as energy generation for mining, manufacturing, and construction activities.

This sector generated 77.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) in 2018. This represents 45% of Queensland’s total emissions and the long-term trend indicates increasing emissions.

• This compares with 34.2 MtCO₂e in 1990.
• In 2005, emissions were 64.5 MtCO₂e.

In 2018, emissions from this sector were produced from:

• electricity generation (68%)
• energy industries (oil and gas extraction and coal mining) (15%)
• manufacturing (12%)
• other sectors including residential and commercial (4%).

This sector continues to be the largest source of emissions in Queensland due to the predominance of fossil fuels (mainly black coal, and to some extent gas) used for electricity generation and the growth of the natural gas industry.

Emissions in public electricity declined from 2010 to 2014, most likely due to the impact of the carbon pricing mechanism at the federal level as well as uptake in domestic solar systems. Emissions have steadily increased since 2015.

Emissions associated with the crude oil and natural gas industry spiked in 2015 due to new coal seam gas projects and upstream liquid natural gas processing associated with gas exports.

Population and household income growth, along with increasing commercial activity, have also contributed to increasing emissions across this sector.

The 2018 emissions estimates do not yet show the impact from an increase of renewable energy in the electricity grid through large scale solar and wind capacity.

Queensland had the highest emissions from stationary energy sector than any other state and territory.

More information:

• State and Territory Greenhouse Gas Inventory – 2018

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals’ targets

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