Fossil energy

Fossil energy refers to energy sources that come from finite resources, primarily from dead biomass that has been transformed by pressure and temperature over millions of years. The main representatives are coal, natural gas and crude oil.

Definition
Fossil energy includes all energy sources that consist of fossil fuels that are not renewable. These fuels are the result of natural processes of conversion of biological materials over long periods of time and represent a crucial pillar of the modern energy supply system.

Background / Origin
Fossil fuels have been formed over millions of years through the decomposition of dead plant and animal biomass under specific conditions such as pressure and temperature. These processes took place in the absence of oxygen, resulting in coal, natural gas and crude oil. Historically, the technical development of fossil fuels in the 18th and 19th centuries became the basis of the industrial revolution, starting with the coal-powered steam engine. The progress of these technologies catapulted coal to the fore until the invention of the internal combustion engine and the emergence of petrochemicals led to oil dominating as the most important fossil fuel.

Fossil fuels are divided into two categories: fossil biogenic and fossil mineral fuels. Fossil biogenic energy sources, such as various types of coal and hydrocarbons, are non-renewable. Fossil mineral energy sources are materials that can be used to generate nuclear energy through nuclear fission or fusion. The reserves of fossil fuels that can be economically and technically exploited are referred to as energy reserves. In contrast, energy resources are also those reserves that cannot currently be tapped.

Properties
Fossil fuels have specific physical and chemical characteristics that distinguish them from renewable energy sources. Their components mainly comprise carbon, hydrogen and, to a lesser extent, sulphur, nitrogen and oxygen. The most important characteristics are:

- Composition: Mainly hydrocarbons.
- Physical characteristics: Differences in aggregate states, e.g. solid (coal) or liquid/gaseous (crude oil, natural gas).
- Quality differences: Vary depending on origin and conversion process, e.g. differences between lignite and hard coal.
- Chemical characteristics: Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) are released during combustion, which has a direct environmental impact.

Use and importance on the market
Fossil fuels play a central role in the energy supply. They are used for:

- Fuels: petroleum products such as petrol and diesel, which are used directly in vehicles.
- Industrial use: The chemical industry uses crude oil as a starting material for a variety of chemical products.

The global demand for energy is growing, which means that fossil energy reserves are continuously dwindling. The development and use of these energy sources are influenced by technical and economic factors. Attempts are also being made to reduce dependence on fossil fuels through the use of renewable energies.

Differentiation from similar terms
- Renewable energies: Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energies, such as wind energy or solar energy, are renewable and do not cause any CO₂ emissions when used.
- Secondary energy sources: Secondary energy sources are derived from primary energy sources, such as petrol, which is obtained from crude oil through refining.

Summary
Fossil energy is a collective term for non-renewable energy sources that come from finite resources. The main types are coal, natural gas and crude oil, which are formed from dead biomass under specific geological conditions. Fossil fuels play a central role in energy supply and industry, but are increasingly the subject of debate due to their finite nature and environmental impact. The increasing demand for energy and the focus on renewable alternatives are shedding new light on this issue, while energy consumption continues to be dominated by fossil resources.