Fuels like wood, diesel, and natural gas have shaped human energy history, driven by technological, economic, and environmental forces. Liquid fuels from oil, with their high mass and volumetric energy density, led to their supremacy in transportation. Shifts in fuel types also influence the devices that convert them into energy services.
The reserve-to-production (R/P) ratio calculates the lifespan of fossil fuel reserves based on production rates. In the U.S., regulatory frameworks affect reserve reporting, with oil R/P ratios declining from over 40:1 in the early 20th century to about 10:1 today. State-owned enterprises often inflate reserves, complicating future availability assessments.
In recent years, 15 to 20% of global coal consumption came from traded coal. The import and export of coal rely on specialized infrastructure known as coal terminals, located near mines or strategic coastal areas. These facilities facilitate the efficient transportation of coal between various modes like ships, trains, and trucks.
The coal power plant industry’s state is reflected in cancellations and shelved projects, concentrated in Asia (e.g., China, India). China’s paradoxical coal investment includes building new capacity and decommissioning old plants due to renewable energy growth. In the U.S., 23% of coal capacity will retire by 2029 due to competition from natural gas and renewables.
Coal, oil, and natural gas have played major roles in U.S. industrialization and energy. Coal dominated in the 20th century, but oil and natural gas gained prominence after World War II. Fracking revitalized oil and gas production, leading to major shifts in fossil fuel production and investment trends.
The use of coal has a long history, from its early adoption in Ancient China to the pivotal role it played in the Industrial Revolution and global energy systems. While some countries are moving away from coal due to environmental concerns, it remains a significant part of the energy landscape.
Coal played a significant role in the US, generating half of the nation’s electricity in 1920 and maintaining that share for decades. However, aging coal plants are being retired due to competition from efficient natural gas and renewable energy sources, as well as state climate policies. This shift reflects growing concerns about cost and carbon emissions.
Coal has played a pivotal role in the United States’ industrial history, fueling steel production, electricity generation, and economic growth in the early 20th century. However, this legacy also comes with significant environmental and health issues, including miner health problems, landscape degradation, abandoned mines, and pollution.
Methane emissions from coal mines are a significant concern for greenhouse gas reduction. Certain mines, known as “superemitters,” contribute a large proportion of global methane emissions. Factors like mine depth and coal rank affect methane content. While reducing coal use in electricity generation is important, mitigating methane emissions from mines needs greater attention.