Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, are flammable geologic deposits formed from the remains of ancient organisms over millions of years under intense heat and pressure. These carbon-rich materials have served as a primary energy source for human society for centuries.
Enabling Global Energy Needs
Fossil fuels possess high energy density. This characteristic makes them efficient for generating electricity and providing consistent power for various applications. For instance, a kilogram of crude oil allows a car to drive approximately 20 km. This energy content has historically underpinned industrialization and the development of modern infrastructure worldwide.
These fuels play a significant role in powering homes, industries, and commercial establishments globally. Power plants burning coal, oil, or natural gas convert chemical energy into heat, which then drives turbines to produce electricity. Natural gas power plants, for example, can typically start up and reach full output in minutes, while coal plants require hours. This capability, known as dispatchability, allows energy providers to quickly adjust power output to match fluctuating demand on electrical grids, ensuring grid stability and reliable power delivery.
Driving Transportation Systems
Petroleum products derived from crude oil, such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, are indispensable for most forms of global transportation. These fuels power a vast array of vehicles, including cars, trucks, trains, ships, and airplanes. Their widespread use facilitates personal mobility, global trade, and logistics on an unprecedented scale.
The efficiency and established infrastructure supporting these fuels contribute to their continued dominance in transport. Their high energy density per unit volume is crucial for vehicle design and operation, minimizing required storage space and weight. This allows for longer travel distances and greater cargo capacity, making them practical choices for diverse transportation needs. For example, the higher mass density of oil allowed the British Navy to transform its vessels from coal to oil, enabling ships to travel twice as far.
Foundational for Modern Products
Beyond their role as energy sources, fossil fuels serve as fundamental raw materials, or feedstocks, for a vast array of everyday products. The chemical industry uses about half of its fossil fuel demand as feedstock, transforming these resources into various widely used materials.
Plastics, used in everything from packaging to medical devices, are derived from petrochemicals, which are chemicals sourced from petroleum, natural gas, and coal. Fertilizers, essential for global food production, rely on natural gas as a feedstock for ammonia production. Other examples include synthetic fibers for clothing, asphalt for roads, lubricants, and numerous chemicals that form the basis of pharmaceuticals and detergents.
Supporting Economic Growth
The fossil fuel industry contributes significantly to economic growth through various channels. It supports millions of jobs across its entire supply chain, encompassing extraction, refining, distribution, and related manufacturing. In the United States alone, the oil and natural gas industry supported approximately 10.3 million jobs and nearly 8 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, including direct and indirect employment.
Significant government revenues are generated through taxes, royalties, and leases from fossil fuel production. These revenues contribute to public services and national budgets, providing funding for infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The affordability and accessibility of fossil fuels have historically supported industrial expansion and global trade, fostering overall economic development in many nations.