Fossil Fuels

Coal

How Power is Generated Advantages Disadvantages
  • Burned in a furnace to heat water, producing steam
  • Steam drives turbines connected to generators
  • Abundant and cheap
  • Established infrastructure
  • High energy density
  • Highest CO2 emissions
  • Air pollution (SOx, NOx, particulates)
  • Mining damages ecosystems

(Natural) Gas

How Power is Generated Advantages Disadvantages
  • Combusted in turbines or boilers to generate steam/electricity
  • Can use combined-cycle plants for higher efficiency
  • Lower CO2 emissions than coal/oil
  • Quick startup/shutdown (flexible for demand)
  • Existing pipeline networks
  • Methane leaks (potent greenhouse gas)
  • Still a finite fossil fuel
  • Fracking controversies

Oil

How Power is Generated Advantages Disadvantages
  • Refined into fuel (diesel, heavy oil) and burned in engines/boilers
  • Steam or combustion drives turbines
  • High energy output
  • Portable (easy to transport/store)
  • Reliable backup for grids
  • High emissions (CO2, particulates)
  • Geopolitical supply risks
  • Spills cause environmental disasters

Topic test:

Fossil Fuels Questions (Click to Download)

Interactive flashcards:

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