Fossil Fuels

Fossil fuels are natural energy carriers that have originated from organic materials.

Fossil fuels are natural, non-renewable energy carriers that have formed over millions of years from dead plants and animals through geological processes under high pressure and temperature. The main types include coal, oil, and natural gas, which primarily consist of hydrocarbons and store chemical energy that is released during combustion. These energy carriers have proven to be indispensable for industrial production, electricity generation, heating, and the transport sector.

Coal, which is subdivided into lignite and hard coal, is formed from plant remains and has a high energy density. Oil is formed from dead marine organisms and processed into fuels and other petrochemical products. Natural gas, consisting mainly of methane, is formed through similar processes as oil and often occurs in conjunction with oil deposits.

However, the use of fossil fuels poses significant ecological challenges. Their combustion releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Additionally, the availability of these resources is finite, underscoring the need to advance the transition to renewable energy sources. In light of the contrasting environmental impacts and the urgent climate crisis, the phase-out of fossil fuels is viewed as a central component of sustainable development strategies.