Fossil Fuels: The Backbone of Non-Renewable Energy
Fossil fuels can be defined as hydrocarbon-based energy sources which have formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient plants and microorganisms, mostly underground.
These energy sources are considered non-renewable simply because they are finite and take geological timeframes to develop or mature. Fossil fuels are vital to the global energy landscape and include coal, oil (petroleum), and natural gas.
Formation of Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels begin their formation as organic matters, such as dead plants and micro-organisms, that builds up in marine or swampy environments.
Over time, the organic material gets buried by sediments and gets subjected to heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust. This process, which can take millions of years, converts the organic matter into hydrocarbons – which are molecules made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms[2]. These hydrocarbons then become the basis for fossil fuels.
Types of Fossil Fuels: Coal, Oil, and Natural Gas
Coal: coal is a sedimentary rock formed from the remains of ancient plants and micro-organisms, the process of forming coal is known as coalification, it occurs over a time frame of years and involves several stages namely: plant material accumulation, peat formation ( which is the first stage of coalification),
lignite formation, bituminous coal formation, anthracite formation, peat to coal transformation, geological processes and lastly once coal has been thoroughly formed, the last phase is mining. There are various types of coal, with the most common being lignite, sub-bituminous, bituminous, and anthracite, each with different energy content and properties.
Coal is primarily used for electricity generation and industrial processes.
Oil (Petroleum): Oil is a liquid fossil fuel that is found in underground reservoirs. It is composed of hydrocarbons, and its refinement produces various essential products which includes gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. To mention a few: Saudi Arabia, Russia and Iraq are some of the global economy’s leading oil producers.
Oil is primarily used within the transportation sector for example gasoline and diesel for cars and trucks as well as for heating. Its contribution to electricity generation is relatively small compared to other sources like coal, natural gas, and renewables. Oil is a versatile energy source and is predominantly used in transportation.
Natural Gas: Natural gas is composed mainly of methane and is usually found in underground reservoirs or associated with oil deposits. Russia, China, Qatar and United States are some of the leading natural gas produces and associated reserves.
As in the case of petroleum, natural gas though it does not directly play a major role in energy production contribution, It is used for electricity generation, heating, and as a fuel for vehicles.
Impact on Climate Change
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, are major contributors to climate change primarily due to the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) during their combustion. Among other pollutants, the burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to the enhanced greenhouse effect and subsequent global warming.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions: The primary source of carbon dioxide emissions, is combustion of fossil fuels. CO2, a dominant greenhouse gas, accumulates in the atmosphere, generates a blanket that keeps some heat from escaping into space which in turn raises global temperatures, adding to climate change. The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has risen dramatically since the industrial revolution, coinciding with the widespread use of fossil fuels.
Methane Emissions and Feedback Loops: Fossil fuel extraction and processing also release methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas with a higher heat-trapping potential than CO2 over the short term. Methane emissions would often occur during the extraction and transportation of fossil fuels. Furthermore, the melting of permafrost, which has been accelerating due to global warming, releases additional methane, creating potential feedback loops that exacerbate climate change.
Sea Levels and Extreme Weather Events: The temperature increase caused by fossil fuel-induced climate change contributes to the melting of glaciers and ice caps, leading to rising sea levels. This poses a significant threat to coastal regions as well as low-lying areas. Additionally, the increased energy in the atmosphere intensifies extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, floods, and heatwaves, amplifying the frequency and severity of these events on a global scale.
Ocean Acidification: Apart from the atmospheric impacts, fossil fuel emissions contribute to ocean acidification. The absorption of excess CO2 by the world's oceans leads to a decrease in pH levels, posing a threat to marine ecosystems. Acidification can harm coral reefs, shell-forming organisms, and disrupt marine food chains, affecting biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Air Quality and Health Impacts: The burning of fossil fuels releases not only greenhouse gases but also air pollutants that could have direct health implications. Nitrogen oxides,Particulate matter and sulfur dioxide from fossil fuel combustion contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, posing risks to human health. The resulting air pollution has both immediate and long-term consequences for communities living near industrial facilities and transportation hubs.
Urgency for Transition to Renewable Energy: Upon recognizing the severe impact of fossil fuels on climate change, there is the urgent need to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. The adoption of renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, offers a path to mitigate climate change by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Transitioning to a low-carbon economy is essential for achieving global climate goals and ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future.
Fossil Fuel Reserves
• South Africa has significant coal deposits, particularly in the Highveld and Witbank coalfields. These coal reserves have historically played an important part in the country's energy balance, supplying electricity. South Africa is not a significant player in terms of oil and natural gas deposits, but it is looking at renewable energy sources to diversify its energy portfolio and minimize dependence on fossil fuels.
• China is the world's largest producer and user of coal, with significant deposits concentrated in provinces like Shanxi and Inner.
• Russia holds substantial coal reserves and is a significant oil producer with extensive reserves, including those in Western Siberia and the far east. Russia also possesses an extensive natural gas reserves, particularly in fields like the Yamal Peninsula.
• India: the country possesses large coal reserves, mainly located in the states of Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh.
• Saudi Arabia has some of the world's largest proven oil reserves, concentrated in fields like Ghawar and Safaniya.
