How Is Fossil Fuel Converted Into Electricity?
What Are Fossil Fuels? Fossil fuels are a non-renewable energy source formed over millions of years from the remains of plants and animals. When burned, they release energy. As of 2009, fossil fuels supplied about 85 percent of the world’s energy demands. There are three main types of fossil fuels: coal, oil and natural gas. Coal is made from decomposed plants that have been subjected to intense heat and pressure. Oil and natural gas are formed from animal remains that have undergone the same treatment. Fossil Fuel Collection Oil is found below Earth’s surface. Oil companies locate the oil by using seismic surveys to find probable oil fields. After oil has been found and permission has been approved by the government for drilling, a well is dug for a pump. Often, the pump is able to bring the oil to the surface. Sometimes, however, another hole must be drilled to pump steam into the oil field to lessen the density in order for it to be pumped out. Natural gas is found in many of the sa
