The report, Energy Research and Development in Australia 2008, profiles Australia's expenditure in energy research and development.

In 2004-05, $987.57 million was spent on energy R&D. That figure increases to $1.075 billion when 'prevention and treatment of pollution' associated with energy use are included.

“While Australia compares favourably against other OECD countries in some research fields, more needs to be done in the areas of applied and experimental energy research, which is where the Australian Government is making significant investments in essential R&D," Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson said.

“We have allocated $150 million to the Energy Innovation Fund, $500 million to the Renewable Energy Fund and $500 million to the National Clean Coal Initiative."