Fossil Fuel

Fossil fuels are energy carriers derived from dead organic matter that has been transmuted over millions of years.

Fossil fuels are natural energy carriers formed from dead organic matter over millions of years. This process occurs in oxygen-poor environments, where plant remains and microorganisms are deposited and covered by sediments. Under high pressure and temperature, these organic substances transform into coal, oil, and natural gas. Coal is formed from plant material primarily deposited in peatlands, while oil and natural gas mainly originate from marine organisms. A crucial aspect of fossil fuel formation is the exclusion of oxygen, which prevents the material from decomposing and instead converts it into its fossil form. These fuels play a central role in global energy supply, covering over 85% of the world's energy needs. Their use occurs mainly in electricity generation, heating, and as fuel in transportation. While fossil fuels are convincing due to their high energy density and reliability, they are still non-renewable and will be exhausted in the foreseeable future. Their combustion significantly contributes to global warming, as it constitutes a large portion of human-caused CO₂ emissions. Due to the associated environmental burdens, the transition to renewable energies is essential for a sustainable energy future.