Mercedes Mullins
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas, are the largest source of global carbon dioxide emissions. Despite the ongoing aggressive rollout of renewable energy sources, fossil fuels still dominate global power systems and account for over 60% of total global electricity generation. In 2023, several key countries sourced over half of their electricity from fossil fuels, including the United States (59%), China (65%), India (75%), Japan (63%), Poland (73%), and Turkey (57%). While the share of renewables in global electricity has seen more pronounced year-on-year growth, fossil fuels remain the primary source of electricity worldwide.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Global Electricity Generation from Fossil Fuels | Over 60% |
| US Electricity Generation from Fossil Fuels | 60% |
| Other Sources of Electricity Generation | Nuclear energy, renewable energy, hydropower, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal |
| Largest Sources of Electricity Production | Coal, gas |
| Carbon Intensity of Electricity | Grams of CO2 produced per kilowatt-hour (kWh) |
| US Utility-Scale Electricity Generation in 2023 | 4.18 trillion kilowatthours (kWh) |
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuels are the largest source of global CO2 emissions
In 2023, about 4.18 trillion kilowatthours (kWh) of electricity were generated at utility-scale electricity generation facilities in the United States. Approximately 60% of this electricity was produced from fossil fuels, predominantly coal, natural gas, and petroleum. While nuclear energy and renewable energy sources accounted for about 19% and 21% respectively, fossil fuels remain the primary source of electricity generation in the United States.
This trend is reflected globally, as coal and gas are the predominant sources of electricity production worldwide. More than a third of global electricity is generated from low-carbon sources, including hydropower, nuclear, solar, wind, and tidal energy. However, the majority is still derived from fossil fuels. The carbon intensity of electricity, measured as grams of CO2 produced per kilowatthour (kWh), is higher in countries with a greater reliance on fossil fuels.
Fossil fuel consumption is the primary source of global CO2 emissions. In 2023, global carbon emissions from fossil fuels reached a record high, with estimates suggesting that the world emitted nearly 37 billion tons of carbon dioxide from fossil fuels alone. This trend is expected to continue, with projections indicating a 50% chance that global warming will exceed 1.5°C by 2030 if current emission levels persist.
The transportation, industry, agriculture, and building sectors are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, with fossil fuel combustion playing a prominent role in each of these sectors. Additionally, agriculture, deforestation, and land-use changes have been the second-largest contributors to the increase in global CO2 emissions since 1850. To stabilize and reduce CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere, a significant reduction in emissions from fossil fuels is imperative.
While emissions from fossil fuels have not yet peaked, there are signs of progress. During the decade ending in 2022, 27 countries witnessed a decline in emissions from fossil fuels while their economies grew. This indicates that effective climate policies can drive change. Political commitment and technological advancements are crucial in supporting rapid decarbonization and the transition to clean electricity, such as accelerating the shift towards renewable energy sources.
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Coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel
Fossil fuels are formed from the decomposition of carbon-based organisms that died millions of years ago. They are non-renewable and currently supply around 80% of the world's energy. They are also used to make plastics, steel, and other products. The three types of fossil fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas.
Coal-fired power generation has been rising, driven by high gas prices and extreme weather events. In 2022, global coal-fired power generation rose by nearly 2%. Coal supplies over one-third of global electricity generation and is the largest source of electricity production, followed by gas. However, coal is the dirtiest fossil fuel, responsible for over 0.3°C of the 1°C increase in global average temperatures. This makes coal the single largest source of global temperature rise.
To reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants, several strategies are being employed. These include retrofitting coal-fired power plants with carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technology, co-firing with ammonia or biomass to reduce CO2 emissions intensity, and retiring less-efficient coal plants early. As of June 2023, only four commercial coal-fired power plants have been fitted with CCUS technology, with a capacity to capture 500,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
To meet the Net Zero Scenario targets, a global annual average reduction of around 10% in emissions from coal-fired power plants is needed through to 2030. Several countries, including Portugal, Belgium, Austria, and Sweden, have already closed their last remaining coal plants, transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.
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Fossil fuels are cheap to burn for energy
Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are currently the world's dominant energy source, accounting for about 80% of global energy production. They are cheap to burn for energy due to a variety of historical, economic, and technical reasons.
Historically, humanity's energy use has progressed towards more concentrated, convenient, and flexible forms, and fossil fuels provided a more concentrated form of solar energy that had been stored over millions of years. This made them a very attractive energy source, especially when compared to the inefficiencies of pre-industrial biomass burning.
In addition, the economic dynamics of fossil fuels have contributed to their widespread use. In the past, it was much cheaper to build a new power plant that burned fossil fuels than to build a solar photovoltaic (PV) or wind plant. For example, solar energy was more than three times more expensive than coal just 15 years ago. However, this has changed in recent years, with solar and wind energy costs declining rapidly.
Another reason for the cheap burning of fossil fuels is the nature of their extraction and use. Fossil fuels are often readily available, requiring little to no refining, and can be shipped using high-efficiency bulk methods like rail, barge, or ship. In contrast, gasoline, which is derived from oil, must be drilled, upgraded, shipped, refined, and then shipped again before it can be used.
Furthermore, the operating costs of fossil fuel power plants are largely dependent on the price of the fuel they burn, and fossil fuels have been priced competitively compared to other energy sources. However, this advantage is diminishing as renewable energy sources become more affordable.
Additionally, technical considerations have played a role in the inexpensive burning of fossil fuels. For instance, the waste heat generated by power plants can be utilized by nearby factories, increasing the overall efficiency of the process.
Despite the cheap burning of fossil fuels, there is a growing recognition of the need to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Fossil fuels are the largest contributor to global climate change and air pollution, causing approximately 90% of carbon dioxide emissions and resulting in significant health and economic costs. As such, there is an increasing emphasis on adopting renewable and low-carbon energy alternatives.
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Fossil fuels are the largest source of electricity production
While there has been a decline in the use of certain fossil fuels, such as coal, in some regions, it remains the dominant fuel for power generation globally. In 2019, coal accounted for 37% of global electricity production, and its share has remained relatively high in Asia. Oil remains a significant energy source, with an overall production of 190 EJ in 2019, making it the most produced form of energy. Additionally, natural gas production has been increasing, with a 4% rise between 2018 and 2019.
The dominance of fossil fuels in electricity production has significant implications for the environment, as they are the largest source of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The transition to clean electricity is crucial to address climate change and reduce carbon intensity. While renewable sources have been gaining traction, with a nearly triple growth rate compared to fossil fuels since 2019, they have yet to surpass the 40% threshold in total electricity generation.
Nuclear power, a low-emission source, provides about 10% of global electricity generation. Hydropower is also a significant contributor to low-carbon electricity, particularly in countries with a high share of their electricity from renewable sources. However, solar, wind, and other renewable technologies are growing quickly and are expected to play a more substantial role in the future energy mix.
It is important to note that the current global energy crisis has brought electricity security and affordability to the forefront of political agendas, favoring renewable solutions. However, the variable availability of sunshine and wind highlights the need for backup generation options and smarter grids to manage the variability. Policy actions and ambitious developments are essential to ensure that the rapid electrification of various sectors is accompanied by an equally rapid rollout of low-carbon generation and the necessary infrastructure.
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Fossil fuel use for electricity generation is increasing
Fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas, and petroleum, are the primary sources of energy for electricity generation. Despite the increasing popularity of renewable energy sources, the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation is still increasing. In 2023, about 4.18 trillion kilowatthours (kWh) of electricity were generated in the United States, with fossil fuels accounting for approximately 60% of this generation. This trend is not unique to the United States, as globally, fossil fuels account for more than 60% of total electricity generation.
The dominance of fossil fuels in electricity generation is evident, despite the environmental concerns associated with their use. Burning carbon-based fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. Additionally, fossil fuel plants produce pollutants like oxides of sulphur and nitrogen, which cause air pollution and adverse health effects. An estimated 670,000 people in China alone die prematurely each year due to coal usage.
While renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower are gaining traction, they currently meet a smaller portion of global electricity needs. In 2018, nuclear power generated 10.5% of the world's electricity, showcasing the potential for cleaner alternatives. However, the transition to renewable energy sources comes with its own set of challenges, such as the intermittent availability of sunshine and wind.
To meet the growing demand for electricity and address climate change concerns, a rapid rollout of low-carbon generation options is necessary. This includes a significant increase in the deployment of renewable energy sources and the development of smarter grids to manage the variability of renewable energy sources. Additionally, nuclear energy, with its low carbon intensity and reliability, will play a crucial role in the transition to cleaner energy.
As the world navigates the current global energy crisis, electricity security and affordability are at the forefront of political agendas. While fossil fuels remain a significant source of electricity generation, the push for renewable solutions is gaining momentum. The transformation of power systems is underway, driven by factors such as the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and the rising demand for cooling and data centres.
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Frequently asked questions
Fossil fuels are fuels made from decomposed organic matter. They include coal, natural gas, and petroleum.
In 2019, fossil fuels accounted for more than 81% of global energy production. Coal was the dominant fuel for power generation, contributing 37% of global electricity production. Oil provided less than 3% of global electricity, while natural gas provided 24%.
Fossil fuels generated 2,509 TWh of electricity in the US in 2023, accounting for 60% of all electricity generation in the country. Natural gas provided 38% of the country's electricity, while coal provided 23%, and petroleum provided less than 1%.
Globally, more than a third of electricity comes from low-carbon sources such as nuclear and renewable energy. However, the majority is still generated from fossil fuels, predominantly coal and gas. In the US, about 21% of electricity generation in 2023 was from renewable energy sources, while fossil fuels accounted for 60%.
While fossil fuels have long been the primary source of energy, the transition to renewable energy sources is accelerating. Some countries now obtain over 90% of their electricity from nuclear or renewable sources. In the US, the use of fossil fuels has remained near 80% for the past 30 years, but renewables are becoming cheaper, and natural gas has been replacing coal, leading to a decline in carbon emissions.
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