Mercedes Mullins
Fossil fuels—including coal, oil, and natural gas—have powered economies for over 150 years and currently supply about 80% of the world’s energy. In 2023, fossil fuels comprised 82% of the global energy mix, with oil and coal accounting for a third and a quarter of the world's energy consumption, respectively. In the US, fossil fuels accounted for about 84% of total primary energy production in 2023, with petroleum, natural gas, and coal being the main sources. In 2022, US petroleum consumption averaged about 20.28 million barrels per day, while gasoline consumption averaged about 8.78 million barrels per day, accounting for about 43% of total US petroleum consumption. Globally, fossil fuel production and consumption vary by country, with China leading coal consumption and Europe reducing its fossil fuel consumption below 70% in recent years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of global energy mix in 2023 | 82% |
| Percentage of global primary energy | 80% |
| Percentage of US primary energy production in 2023 | 84% |
| US total primary energy consumption in 2023 | 94 quadrillion Btu |
| US total annual energy production in 2023 | 102.83 quadrillion Btu |
| US total annual energy consumption in 2023 | 93.59 quadrillion Btu |
| US total petroleum consumption in 2022 | 20.28 million barrels per day |
| US consumption of finished motor gasoline in 2022 | 8.78 million barrels per day |
| US consumption of distillate fuel oil in 2022 | 3.96 million barrels per day |
| US consumption of hydrocarbon gas liquids in 2022 | 3.59 million barrels per day |
| US consumption of jet fuel in 2022 | 1.56 million barrels per day |
| US consumption of biofuels in 2022 | 1.17 million barrels per day |
| US consumption of fuel ethanol in 2022 | 1.002 million barrels per day |
| US consumption of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and other biofuels in 2022 | 0.164 million barrels per day |
| World petroleum consumption in 2021 | 97.26 million barrels per day |
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What You'll Learn
Oil production and consumption
Oil is a fossil fuel that has been powering economies for over 150 years and currently supplies about 80% of the world's energy. In 2020, oil was the largest source of US energy-related carbon emissions, with the transportation sector accounting for most of its consumption. Oil is extracted from underground reservoirs, shale deposits, and tar sands. Once extracted, it is processed in refineries to create fuel oil, gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas, and non-fuel products such as pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and plastics.
The oil industry operates through upstream, midstream, and downstream segments. The upstream sector involves searching for potential reserves, drilling exploratory wells, and developing facilities at commercially viable sites. The downstream sector includes refining crude oil into petroleum products and their commercialization, as well as the sale and distribution of processed natural gas and petroleum-derived products.
Global oil demand rebounded in 2021 following a Covid-induced decline, but its long-term outlook is uncertain due to the advancement of alternative fuels and changing behaviours of drivers and commuters. Oil consumption for transportation may decline after 2026, but its use as a key ingredient in plastics and other chemicals will continue to drive global consumption.
While oil production and consumption experienced a drop in 2020 due to the pandemic, a return to 2019 levels is expected within the next few years. However, the future of oil beyond 2050 is uncertain as economies transition towards sustainable renewable energy sources. Oil's share in electricity production is relatively small compared to coal and gas, and efforts are being made to reduce its usage due to its environmental impacts.
Oil combustion is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with oil accounting for 45% of US energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2020. The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon and other greenhouse gases, leading to dramatic changes in Earth's climate. It also produces sulfuric and nitric acids, which fall as acid rain, impacting natural areas and the built environment. Fossil fuel wells, refineries, and distribution processes have negative environmental effects, including air and water pollution. As a result, there is a growing need to transition to low-carbon energy sources, such as renewables and nuclear power.
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Coal production and consumption
Coal is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel and is used primarily to generate electricity. In 2020, coal supplied 19% of US energy consumption, a share that has been steadily decreasing as the costs of natural gas and renewable energy have dropped. In 2022, coal accounted for about 19.5% of US electricity generation, and about 513 million short tons of coal were consumed in the US, equal to about 9.8% of total US energy consumption. US coal consumption peaked in 2007 in terms of weight and in 2005 in terms of energy content.
Coal is also used in several industries and businesses, including steel, concrete, and paper. The steel industry uses coal indirectly as coal coke to smelt iron ore into iron to make steel. The concrete and paper industries burn large amounts of coal to produce heat. Coal is also used in some early furnaces for smelting metal ore.
On a global scale, coal supplies over one-third of electricity generation. In 2024, global coal consumption increased by 2.3%, spurred by the ASEAN (+9%) and falling in OECD countries (-4%). China and India, the two largest markets, accounted for 71% of global coal consumption, with consumption increasing by 3% and 5% respectively due to higher demand from the power sector. Indonesia, Vietnam, Türkiye, South Africa, and Australia also saw increases in coal consumption.
Coal typically produces more CO2 and local air pollution per unit of energy. In 2000, about 12,000 tonnes of thorium and 5,000 tonnes of uranium were released worldwide from burning coal. Coal mining methods, such as mountaintop removal and strip mining, have negative environmental impacts, and coal transportation requires the combustion of additional fossil fuels. As of the end of 2023, 84 countries had agreed to phase out coal or not develop new unabated coal power plants, accounting for about 30% of current coal consumption for electricity generation.
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Natural gas production and consumption
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that has been powering economies for over 150 years, currently supplying about 80% of the world's energy. It is formed from the carbon-rich remains of ancient animals and plants as they decomposed and were compressed and heated underground. Natural gas deposits are also the main source of helium.
Natural gas is the second-largest source of electricity production globally, and its use is growing as countries substitute it for coal. This transition is positive from a climate perspective, as gas emits less CO2 per unit of energy. However, the goal is to shift towards low-carbon energy sources such as renewables and nuclear power.
Natural gas production involves extracting it from underground reservoirs or deposits in shale and tar sands. It can also be sourced from heavy crude oil, oil sands, and oil shale, which contain kerogen—a complex mixture of high-molecular-weight organic compounds that yield synthetic crude oil when heated.
The consumption of natural gas contributes to global warming and ocean acidification, as it releases greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), when burned. In 2020, natural gas was the second-largest source of energy-related carbon emissions in the US, after oil.
To transition away from natural gas and other fossil fuels, there is a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources such as hydropower, biomass, wind, geothermal, and solar power. Additionally, capturing methane from landfills and livestock production can help generate heat and power while reducing methane emissions. Improving energy efficiency in various sectors is another immediate and cost-effective strategy to reduce natural gas consumption and its environmental impact.
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Fossil fuel extraction methods
Fossil fuels—including coal, oil, and natural gas—have been the world's primary energy source for over 150 years. They are formed from the carbon-rich remains of ancient plants and animals that decomposed and were compressed and heated underground. While fossil fuels are still being formed through natural processes, they are non-renewable resources because they take millions of years to form, and existing reserves are being depleted much faster.
The extraction methods for fossil fuels depend on the type of fuel and its location. Here are some common methods:
Drilling
Drilling is a common method used to extract oil and natural gas. It involves using a drill rig to access fossil fuels trapped deep underground. This method is often used for extracting oil from underground reservoirs or the cracks and crevices of sedimentary rock. Drilling can be done on land or at sea and is a complex process that requires careful planning and monitoring to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Mining
Mining is another extraction method, particularly for coal and oil. Coal mining methods such as mountaintop removal and strip mining have significant environmental impacts, including soil erosion, water pollution, and the release of toxic runoff into nearby water bodies. Oil can also be obtained through strip mining of tar sands, oil shale, and other sedimentary rocks containing kerogen, which can be processed into synthetic crude oil.
Fracking
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a technique used to extract unconventional gas that is difficult or expensive to access through regular drilling. It involves injecting fluid into the ground at high pressure to create fractures in rocks and release the gas trapped within. While fracking has contributed to the increased production of natural gas, it has also been criticised for its environmental impacts, including water contamination and the generation of large volumes of wastewater.
Pumping
Once oil is discovered, it is typically pumped out of underground reservoirs. Pumping is a common method for extracting liquid fossil fuels, such as crude oil, from their sources.
Unearthing
Fossil fuels, particularly coal, can be obtained through unearthing or surface mining. This method involves removing layers of soil and rock to expose and extract the coal seams. While this provides easier access compared to drilling or mining, it can still have significant environmental impacts, including ecosystem disruption and water pollution.
The extraction and use of fossil fuels have significant environmental and health consequences. As the world transitions towards renewable energy sources, it is crucial to address the negative impacts of fossil fuel extraction and work towards sustainable alternatives.
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Fossil fuel alternatives
Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have been powering economies for over 150 years and currently supply about 80% of the world's energy. However, they are also the largest driver of global climate change and a major contributor to local air pollution. As such, there is a growing movement to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and transition to alternative energy sources.
The five primary alternatives to fossil fuels are renewable energy, nuclear power, hydrogen, biomass, and geothermal energy. Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, are becoming increasingly affordable and efficient, and they do not produce direct emissions. In 2020, renewable energy accounted for about 20% of U.S. electricity generation, and that share is expected to continue to grow. Solar energy, in particular, has become the most popular alternative energy source, with about 4-5% of the globe's electricity generated by solar power.
Nuclear power is another zero-carbon alternative, but it is expensive and produces long-lasting radioactive waste that is dangerous and costly to transport and store. Hydrogen is also an alternative fuel, particularly for heavy transport such as ships, trucks, and aircraft, although it relies on existing supplies of energy to be created. Biomass, which includes biological materials such as wood, plant, and crop residues, is another alternative that many coal-fired plants are converting to in order to reduce emissions. However, burning biomass still produces greenhouse gases.
Geothermal energy, harnessed from the Earth's natural sources of heat, such as volcanic activity, is the source of 30% of all electricity power in Iceland. However, it is restricted to areas with volcanic sources. Overall, while the switch to alternatives will not be easy and will require significant investment, these options provide viable pathways to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate their environmental and health impacts.
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Frequently asked questions
Fossil fuel production statistics vary by year and type of fossil fuel. In 2019, oil remained the most produced form of energy at 190 EJ. In 2022, total world petroleum consumption was about 97.26 million barrels per day.
In 2019, coal production decreased by 4% due to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, China, the world's largest coal consumer, experienced a strong economic rebound in the second half of the year.
Natural gas production was less affected by the global health crisis in 2020, decreasing by only 3%. It is now considered a valuable resource and is the second-largest source of electricity production globally.
Crude oil is refined into petroleum products widely used for transportation, heating, and electricity generation. In 2022, U.S. total petroleum consumption averaged about 20.28 million barrels per day, including biofuels.
Gasoline is the most-consumed petroleum product in the United States. In 2022, consumption of finished motor gasoline averaged about 369 million gallons per day, accounting for about 43% of total U.S. petroleum consumption.
