Australia is one of few OECD countries that is a significant energy net exporter, with a rich supply of fossil fuel and mineral energy resources. According to Energy Balances data produced by the International Energy Agency, Australia is one of the world leaders for self-sufficiency in energy production, producing more than twice its domestic energy needs (219%). In 2006-07, national coal production represented 397% of Australia's domestic requirements while gas output stood at 155%.

New South Wales is a large exporter of coal, with exports from New South Wales valued at approximately $10.4 billion in 2008, representing 108% growth on 2007. The boom in the New South Wales coal industry continues, with strong global demand from Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, India and Malaysia. These five export markets for New South Wales coal account for 93% of the State's total coal exports.

Poor global economic growth in late 2008 has weakened demand for energy and minerals. However, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics forecast that world economic growth will pick up in the second half of 2009, with a gradual recovery in global demand for energy and minerals. New South Wales is expected to see positive results in coal exports with suggestions by Bloomberg that coal exports through the New South Wales Hunter Valley rail and Newcastle port system are likely to rise to 95 million tonnes in 2009, up from 92 million tonnes in 2008.

The New South Wales Government is working toward the target of becoming a world centre by committing $22 million in 2008 toward two clean coal projects relating to carbon capture and storage. New South Wales is also a participant in the Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC), one of the world’s leading collaborative research organisations focused on geosequestrian technologies.