Give a brief account of usage of fossil fuels.
Fossil Fuels are hydrocarbon-based energy sources formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient plants and organisms buried under heat and pressure. The three primary fossil fuels are coal, petroleum (crude oil), and natural gas, which together supply approximately 80% of global primary energy.
| Fossil Fuel | Origin | Formation Process | Primary Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coal | Ancient plant matter (forests, swamps) | Peat → Lignite → Bituminous → Anthracite (coalification over 300+ million years) | Carbon (60-95%), hydrogen, sulfur |
| Petroleum (Oil) | Marine microorganisms (plankton, algae) | Organic sediments transformed by heat and pressure in sedimentary basins | Hydrocarbons (alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromatics) |
| Natural Gas | Same as oil; also from coal beds | Higher temperatures produce gas over oil; found in reservoirs or with oil | Methane (70-90%), ethane, propane |
India's Power Mix (2024): Coal: ~55% | Natural Gas: ~3% | Renewables: ~40% | Nuclear: ~2%
| Fuel Type | Application | Derived From |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol (Gasoline) | Cars, motorcycles, small engines | Crude oil refining |
| Diesel | Trucks, buses, trains, ships, heavy machinery | Crude oil refining |
| Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) | Aircraft (jet fuel) | Crude oil refining |
| Bunker Fuel | Large ships, marine vessels | Heavy crude oil fractions |
| CNG/LNG | Buses, cars, trucks (cleaner alternative) | Natural gas |
| LPG | Auto-rickshaws, some cars | Oil refining, natural gas |
Global Energy Mix (2023):
Oil: 31% | Coal: 27% | Natural Gas: 24% | Renewables: 14% | Nuclear: 4%
Total fossil fuel share: ~82%
| Region/Country | Primary Fossil Fuel | Key Statistic |
|---|---|---|
| China | Coal | 50%+ of global coal consumption |
| USA | Oil, Natural Gas | Largest oil consumer; shale gas leader |
| India | Coal, Oil | 3rd largest energy consumer; 85% oil imported |
| Middle East | Oil, Gas | Major exporters; high domestic consumption |
| Europe | Natural Gas, Oil | Transitioning away; gas dependency issues |
Fossil fuels remain the backbone of the global energy system, powering electricity generation, transportation, industry, and residential needs. However, their environmental impact - particularly climate change from CO2 emissions and air pollution from combustion byproducts - necessitates urgent transition to clean alternatives. While complete phase-out will take decades given the scale of current dependence, accelerating renewable deployment, improving energy efficiency, and developing clean technologies are essential for sustainable development. India's challenge is particularly acute: balancing energy access for 1.4 billion people with climate commitments requires a carefully planned transition.