The Greenhouse Indicator Annual Report released by The Climate Group shows that across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia, annual emissions were 5.3 million tonnes (MMt) lower in 2009 than the previous year.

The report notes that the share of gas-fired electricity generation rose from 8.4 per cent to 9.3 per cent, while the share of renewable generation increased slightly from 2.7 per cent to 2.8 per cent.

Coal-fired power generation emissions fell by 3.1 per cent, the equivalent of 5.5 million megawatt hours, resulting in 4.9 MMt less emissions than 2008.

Emissions from petroleum usage also fell by 0.8 per cent or 700,000 tonnes (t) across the eastern states, despite South Australia recording a slight increase.

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South Australia had the biggest percentage drop in emissions in 2009, down 4.2 per cent or 730,000 t, while the biggest absolute decrease was in New South Wales, which cut its emissions by 3.2 MMt, or 3 per cent. Emissions in Queensland were down by 852,000 t or 1.1 per cent, and Victoria recorded a decrease in emissions by 543,000 t or 0.5 per cent.

In 2009, New South Wales commissioned three gas-fired power plants including the 640 megawatt (MW) gas-fired NewGen Uranquinty Power Station, located near Wagga Wagga, the 400 MW Tallawarra Power Station, located near Illawarra and 667 MW Colongra Gas Generation Plant, located on the Central Coast.

The Climate Group’s Greenhouse Indicator has tracked the main sources of greenhouse emissions produced by coal, natural gas and petroleum on a weekly basis over the past four years.