The fossil fuel is extracted from the organic matter that comprises hydrocarbon bonding. Let us interrogate whether fossil fuels are renewable or nonrenewable sources.
Fossil fuels are nonrenewable sources as they are exhausted after a single use. Fossil fuels are formed from the organic remains, fossilized under high pressure in Earth’s crust and take millions of years for their formation, and a huge time is required to replenish this source once used.
Fossil fuels are available as natural gas, crude oil, coal, etc., and used in petrochemical industries to manufacture cement and paper, generate electricity, etc. Let us discuss the minute details about fossil fuel and the fact that it is a nonrenewable source.
Why is fossil fuels nonrenewable?
Non-renewable sources are those which cannot be reused/ recycled after use. Let us see why fossil fuels are non-renewable.
Fossil fuels are non-renewable mainly because they are exhausted after a single use and cannot be replenished in a short span. The formation of fossil fuels is time-consuming, and the probability of forming/ tracing the fossil fuel is very low.
How many years of fossil fuels are left?
It is very important to know and keep track of the amount of fossil fuel available for utility. Let us glance at the present data on fossil fuel availability.
The data shows that the oil resources last for 50 yrs, natural oil for 53 yrs, and coal for 114 years. Overusing fossil fuels will also lead us to run out of sources within 45 yrs. These fossil fuels drilled from the Earth’s crust originate from 541 – 66 million years ago.
What would happen if fossil fuels disappeared?
For 200 years, we have been using fossil fuels and are much more dependent on this readily available source. Let us discuss the consequences if fossil fuels disappear.
If fossil fuels disappeared, there wouldn’t be electricity in many localities, no coal would be available to run the trains, and the industries running on crude oil will stop functioning, etc. But most importantly, it will decrease the carbon emissions in the air generated from burning fossil fuels.
The enduring period of fossil fuel is based on its utility. With the extinction of fossil fuels, we shall leave with no fossil fuel for millions of years on the Earth, which will benefit the ecosystem and enhance fishery production. The probability of locating/ forming fossil fuels is also rare.
Is the earth still making fossil fuels?
It is vital to know where on earth fossil fuel is available or is in the formation process to extract it. Let’s see if this process is still going on or not.
The earth is still making fossil fuels because the source for its formation is available. The earth will continue to make this energy source until life exists on the earth and even for millions of years after the extinction of life on the planet.
The extraction of fossil fuel is carried out after the geological surveys/ studies of the area by tracing the depth at which the deposits are available. It is important to do these studies for easy extraction.
What will replace fossil fuels?
With the alarming extinction of resources, we are trying to avail of alternative methods to produce renewable energy sources. Let us discuss whether we can replace fossil fuels.
Renewable energy sources that can replace fossil fuels are solar energy, hydropower, tidal energy, wave energy, hydrogen energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, and biomass energy, which are easily available on the earth. The thermal and nuclear power plants produce an enormous amount of energy.
Can solar replace fossil fuels?
It is vital to find the substitution of fossil fuels to tackle pollution caused and sustain energy in the future. Let us discuss if the use of solar energy can achieve this.
Solar energy can easily replace fossil fuels because it is a renewable, freely available energy source and most eco-friendly, found in plenty and anywhere. Solar energy is converted into electrical, food, and heat energy.
Solar energy is long-lasting and will significantly lower the carbon concentration in the air. The only drawback is that it isn’t available at night but can be captured/ stored.
How long would it take to replace fossil fuels?
Various methods and technologies are used to find the alternative that will completely replace fossil fuels. Let us see how long it would take to replace fossil fuels.
It is estimated that by 2050 the entire fossil fuel dependency will be replaced by the renewable energy source by looking at the current utilization of fossil fuels and switching to alternative energy sources.
Conclusion
With this article, we can conclude that fossil fuels are nonrenewable sources of energy as these are found in adequate quantity and require huge time for formation. Using fossil fuels emits carbon dioxide and other gases in the air. Alternate energy sources can save our environment, and sustain energy for the future.
Read more about Fusion Fuel.
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Hi, I’m Akshita Mapari. I have done M.Sc. in Physics. I have worked on projects like Numerical modeling of winds and waves during cyclone, Physics of toys and mechanized thrill machines in amusement park based on Classical Mechanics. I have pursued a course on Arduino and have accomplished some mini projects on Arduino UNO. I always like to explore new zones in the field of science. I personally believe that learning is more enthusiastic when learnt with creativity. Apart from this, I like to read, travel, strumming on guitar, identifying rocks and strata, photography and playing chess.