Sylvie Willis
Fossil fuels are the remains of long-dead plants and animals. Over millions of years, heat and pressure changed these materials into oil, natural gas, and coal. Fossil fuels are burned or combusted to generate electricity. The burning of these fuels heats giant boilers filled with water, transforming the liquid water into steam. The steam creates pressure in the boiler, which rotates a steam turbine, driving a generator to produce electricity. Fossil fuels have been the most common fuel type for electricity production in the US, with natural gas being the primary fuel type, accounting for about 39.8% of total energy production nationwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fossil fuels used for electricity generation | Coal, natural gas, petroleum, oil, diesel, and fuel oil |
| Most common fossil fuel for electricity generation | Coal |
| Second most common fossil fuel for electricity generation | Natural gas |
| Percentage of U.S. electricity generation from coal in 2023 | 16% |
| Percentage of U.S. electricity generation from petroleum in 2023 | 0.4% |
| Percentage of total energy production in the U.S. from natural gas in 2022 | 39.8% |
| Percentage of electricity production in the U.S. from coal in 2022 | 19.7% |
| Advantages of oil over coal and natural gas | Easier transportation, handling, and on-site storage |
| Process of electricity generation from fossil fuels | Fossil fuels are burned to heat water and produce steam, which turns turbines to generate electricity |
| Efficiency of fossil fuel power plants | Limited by Carnot efficiency, with waste heat produced |
| Environmental impact of fossil fuels | Air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and contribution to overall pollution emission levels |
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What You'll Learn
Burning fossil fuels
Fossil fuels are burned to generate electricity. The burning of these fuels releases thermal energy, which is then converted into mechanical energy, which then powers an electrical generator. Fossil fuels used for electricity generation include coal, natural gas, and petroleum.
Coal is the most widely used fossil fuel for electricity generation. It is fossilized plant material preserved by burial in sediments and changed by geological forces that compact and condense it into a carbon-rich rock. Coal is considered a non-renewable energy source since it takes a long time to form. Coal is classified into five categories: peat, lignite, sub-bituminous, bituminous, and anthracite.
Natural gas is the third most widely used fuel for electricity generation. It is considered the cleanest fossil fuel, and its main component is methane (85-90%). Other components include propane, ethane, butane, inert gases such as nitrogen, helium, and carbon dioxide, and trace amounts of other gases.
Petroleum is another fossil fuel used for electricity generation. Fuel oil, derived from crude petroleum, is the most widely used liquid fuel for power generation. There are two types of fuel oil: distillate and residual fuel oils. Distillate fuel oils are commonly used in domestic and small commercial applications, while residual fuel oils are highly viscous and require heating for easy handling and combustion.
The burning of fossil fuels has led to significant progress, powering the Industrial Revolution and improving the quality of life worldwide. However, it has also contributed to increased pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Many developing countries continue to rely on fossil fuels for energy production.
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Steam turbines
In a steam turbine, fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas are burned in a boiler to produce hot water and steam. This steam is then used to power a turbine, which drives a generator to produce electricity. The thermal efficiency of steam electric units is around 35%, meaning that 35% of the energy of the fuel is transformed into electricity. The remaining 65% of the energy is lost, with around 10% lost up the stack and 55% discharged with the condenser cooling water.
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Gas turbines
In a single-cycle combustion gas turbine, the turbine operates as a standalone generator. Natural gas is the most common fuel source, accounting for 95% of energy sources in single-cycle combustion gas turbines. When natural gas is burned, it produces hot gases that turn the turbine blades, generating electricity.
In a combined-cycle power plant, the combustion gases from one turbine are used to generate more electricity in another turbine. Combined-cycle systems can have separate generators for each turbine or a single generator for both turbines. Natural gas is also the primary fuel source for combined-cycle power plants, contributing 99% of energy sources.
In addition to natural gas, other fossil fuels such as residual fuel oil, distillate fuel oil (diesel), and petroleum coke can also be burned in gas turbines. These fuels are derived from petroleum and are commonly used in steam turbines for electricity generation.
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Coal-fired power plants
The process of electricity generation in a coal-fired power plant involves several steps. First, the coal is unloaded from trains or directly from coal mines if the plant is situated near one. The coal is then pulverized into a fine powder using a large grinder. This step ensures the near-complete burning of the coal, maximizing heat output and minimizing pollutants. The pulverized coal is then burned in a pulverized coal-fired boiler, converting the chemical energy stored in the coal into thermal energy. The heat from the burning coal converts the boiler water into steam, which is then used to spin turbines connected to generators. This process converts thermal energy into mechanical energy, which is finally converted into electrical energy.
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Oil and diesel
Fossil fuels such as oil and diesel are used to generate electricity through the burning of these fuels in power plants. Oil and diesel are versatile fossil fuels that can be used for a variety of applications.
Diesel
Diesel fuel is a versatile energy source that powers trucks, trains, boats, barges, and buses. It is also used in farming and construction equipment, as well as for military purposes. Diesel engines are internal combustion engines that use the heat of compression to ignite and burn the fuel injected into the injection chamber. Diesel generators, which produce electricity by burning diesel fuel, are used in a variety of settings, from residential to commercial and even on large ships. These generators are valued for their quick startup and shutdown capabilities, making them ideal for backup power systems. The use of diesel generators contributes to air pollution by releasing carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter into the atmosphere.
Oil
Oil, including crude oil and petroleum products, is another important fossil fuel used for electricity generation. Oil-fired power plants require large quantities of oil to produce electricity. While the specific processes may vary, the fundamental principle behind oil-based electricity generation is the conversion of mechanical energy from burning oil into electrical power. Oil-fired power plants face challenges related to fuel transportation over long distances, volatile fuel prices, and environmental concerns associated with air pollution.
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Frequently asked questions
Fossil fuels are the remains of long-dead plants and animals. Over millions of years, heat and pressure changed these things into oil, natural gas, and coal.
Fossil fuels are burned or combusted to generate electricity. The term for this process is thermal generation. The burning of coal or oil heats giant boilers filled with water, transforming liquid water into steam. The steam then creates a lot of pressure in the boiler, which rotates a steam turbine. This drives a generator to produce electricity.
Coal is the most widely used fossil fuel for electricity generation. It is also the most abundant fossil fuel on the planet and is relatively cheap. Other commonly used fossil fuels include natural gas, fuel oil, and oil shale.
Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource, meaning that there is a limited amount on our planet. If we continue to use large amounts of fossil fuels, they will eventually run out. Additionally, fossil fuel-fired power plants are a leading source of air pollution, contributing to increased emissions and climate change.
