Production, Consumption and Waste

Energy

We all need energy in our everyday lives. Electricity powers the lights, air-conditioning and appliances in our homes and offices. Gas is used for heating and hot water. Transport also requires significant amounts of energy, and nearly all of it comes from fossil fuels - petrol, diesel, LPG, even the electricity for Melbourne’s trains and trams.

Industry and agriculture also need energy. The cheap electricity provided by Victoria’s abundant supplies of brown coal helped to develop our economy by attracting a range of energy-intensive industries such as aluminium smelting and car making.

This section looks at the pattern of energy use in Victoria and examines the environmental impacts associated with it. The most significant is the emission of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels. The section also describes existing responses to these challenges, such as promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, and makes recommendations for further action.

Part 3.1 - Energy (PDF - 847 KB)