Geology Reference
In-Depth Information
Table D.9 (appendix), shows the production of the different types of Australian coal
in the period between 1913 and 2008. The data has been extracted from the histo-
rical statistics compiled by the BGS and its preceding organisations. The exergies
of the coal extracted in the stated period are shown in Fig. 13.17. The specific ex-
ergies of anthracite, bituminous, subbituminous and lignite used are the ones listed
in Table 11.10 (b
III
). Based on BP (2010), 2009 Australian coal reserves amounted
to: 36.8 Gtoe for anthracite and bituminous and 36.0 Gtoe for subbituminous and
lignite (Fig. 13.17).
Hubbert's bell-shaped curve applied to Australian coal production reveals that
the theoretical peak could be reached in 2047. As can be seen in Fig. 13.18, the
model applies satisfactorily, with a regression factor of 0.99.
Fig. 13.18 The Hubbert Peak applied to Australian coal reserves. Values in ktoe.
13.3.9 Oil
According to BP (2010), Australia has around 0.46 Gt of oil reserves. The majority
of which are located off Western Australia in the Carnarvon Basin and in the Bass
Strait off the coast of South Australia. Australian oil production does not cover
internal consumption and around 39% of the total needs to be imported. Oil pro-
duction has increased gradually since 1980, peaking in 2000. Thereafter, Australia
experienced an overall decline in oil production stemming from reduced produc-
tivity in basins such as Cooper-Eromanga and Gippsland and a lack of new fields
coming online (EIA, 2004). However, new exploration efforts, especially offshore,
could help stabilise the country's oil output over the next few years.
Historical data is very fragmented. Reliable and continuous information can only
be found after the 1960s. In fact, it was not until then that the country started
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