Do clean fossil fuels = clean energy?

Fossil fuels, which contain high percentages of carbon, include coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Some fossil fuels are composed of almost pure carbon, like anthracite coal while others have volatile materials with low carbon: hydrogen ratios. They were formed from the remnants of dead plants and animals over millions of years.

Fossil fuels are nonrenewable resources because it took millions of years to form, and reserves are being used much faster than new ones can be formed. The production and use of fossil fuels raises serious environmental concerns. Global movement towards the production of renewable energy is, therefore, under process to help meet increased energy requirements.

Every year the burning of fossil fuels produces about 21.3 billion tones, or (21.3 gigatonnes) of carbon dioxide, which is amongst the greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. It is so because fossil fuel combustion is still the most usual form of powering industrial plants and processes. While these fuels are recognized as an essential strategic resource all over the world, there is a growing need to improve the environmental performance of fossil fuel combustion and reduce the emissions of air contaminants.

Scientists have started research and development of a diverse set of technologies that will hopefully make fossil fuel combustion cleaner and thereby contribute to the sustainable use of this resource. A set of technologies has been developed called carbon capture and storage technologies, which is the capturing of CO2 and permanent storage underground, thereby removing its harmful effects on the environment.

Scientists are exploring two pathways to clean coal technology otherwise known as clean fossil fuel: combustion (oxy-fuel or post-combustion) as well as gasification. They are doing research on equipment and processes that will contribute to clean-coal technologies by using a process called CO2 capture and compression processes, multi-pollutant control and cleaning of coal upstream. They are also going to extraordinary lengths to investigate ways to turn coal into coke to improve its energy efficiency and the reduction of GHG emissions. They have the expertise and facilities to conduct analytical work on fuels and emissions assessment.

There are some short-term opportunities for storing the captured CO2   such as enhanced coal-bed methane (ECBM) recovery, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) while longer-term options, such as storage in saline waters, are researched and accomplished. However, the best way to have clean energy will of course be by using energy that has no emissions and is sustained or renewable. More and more countries are approaching the sun, and wind for energy – both fulfill the requirements of clean and sustainable energy.

If, we will change existing combustion and energy supply systems to adapt the solar and wind energy it will have a massive financial impact on the world but once it is done we will live in a clean environment. We will conserve our fossil fuels, and in the long run, it will pay dividends. Let us support research to utilize clean energy and help save the world for our children and let us all do our bit to assist in this goal.