Fossil Fuels: An Overview The world and the U.S. get 85% of their energy from oil, natural gas and coal! These non-renewable fossil fuels have enabled the industrial revolution and an unprecedented high standards of living.
Oil Reserves 1986, 1996, 2006
OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) AlgeriaAngola EcuadorIran IraqKuwait LibyaNigeria QatarSaudi Arabia United Arab EmiratesVenezuela
Coal- provides over 50% of electricity in U.S. and 23% of energy
Carboniferous Period proto- continent- light blue are shallow seas where coal deposits developed
Grades of coal Anthracite- highest rank, black, glassy, hardest, most concentrated energy and least pollution given off. Used for residential and commercial space heating Bituminous- black to dark brown, mainly used in electrical power generation. High sulfur and mercury content. Lignite- or brown coal. Used for electric power generation. Peat- lowest grade, precursor of coal- organic deposits from bogs. Used for cooking fires and home heating in Ireland, Scotland, etc.