Solar power and fossil fuels

The world is experiencing alarming consequences of relying on fossil fuels for our energy needs. Fossil fuels are a type of negative, polluting, environmentally damaging energy. Presently, fossil fuels are the most widely used energy source in the world. It is used to generate electrical energy but it is also used to generate mechanical energy (cars, heat engines, etc.).

What are fossil fuels?

Fossil fuels are fuels that come from a process of partial decomposition of organic matter. Fossil fuels originate from a transformation process of millions of years of plants and vegetables (causes of oil, coal and natural gas). These are considered primary energy sources since they can be obtained directly from the earth without undue processing..

Formation of fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are formed by a process of partial decomposition of organic matter. It is a transformation process of millions of years due to the pressure and temperature that several layers of sediment exert on organic matter. This originated organically due to a fossilization process. Organic matter has not been degraded by microorganisms (which cannot live) but remains in the form of more complex, solid organic molecules ( coal), liquid (oil) or gas (natural gas). The energy of these molecules is what is released when using them as fuel. This process of millions of years is the one that turns fossil fuels into a non-renewable source of energy since it is consumed much faster than it is generated.

Importance of fossil fuels

Scientists discovered that fossil fuels have a high calorific value that makes them a very important source of energy to generate thermal power. The use of fossil fuels has allowed the economic and demographic growth linked to the industrial revolution of the 19th century. At present they are fundamental to our economy. In 2007, the combustion of coal, oil and natural gas accounted for 86.4% of the world's primary energy. Transitioning to solar and wind power will dramatically decrease the earth’s pollution.

Consequences of the use of fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are highly unpopular for environmental groups. Its combustion generates a lot of gases. These gases become one of the main sources of atmospheric pollution because they contribute to increasing the greenhouse effect and, consequently, to global warming. Today, the use of fossil fuels is a problem of sustainability, both for environmental and economic reasons (the planet's resources are limited and will one day be exhausted). Natural gas can be used directly without having to previously transform it into electricity. This feature allows it to have a much higher efficiency of 91.2%. Its storage is cheaper and easier than coal and petroleum products.

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For more information relating to going solar, don't forget to visit our solar blog section for more handy guides and articles.