1.12 Fossil Fuels

Abstract

Fossil fuels have always had the major share in the global primary energy consumption. Overall fossil fuel consumption increased approximately 51% in the period of 1995–2015, and it is predicted that the consumption will increase approximately 18% more in the period of 2015–35. It was observed that, in 1995, oil, natural gas, and coal had total primary energy consumption shares of 38%, 22%, and 26% (87% in total), respectively; that, in 2015, they had total primary energy consumption shares of 32%, 24%, and 29% (85% in total), respectively; and it is predicted that, by 2035, the shares will be 29%, 25%, and 24% (78% in total), respectively, having natural second place after oil, and that a 7% decrease in fossil fuels share in consumption is predicted in the global primary energy consumption. Even though the share of fossil fuel consumption has decreased and is predicted to decrease further, they will continue to hold the major share in the primary energy mix in the foreseeable future as more unconventional fossil fuels are explored. The highest change in fossil fuel consumption has happened and is predicted that it will continue to happen in natural gas, a cleaner fossil fuel compared to oil and coal; however, extraction of and burning all fossil fuel forms have serious environmental consequences, which will require further and closer attention as more unconventional fossil fuel resources are explored and their overall consumption expand further.