6.3 - Fuel Types and Uses

biofuel

Liquid fuel created from processed or refined biomass. Ex: fermentation of corn to produce ethanol

charcoal

charred wood used as a subsistence fuel source, primarily in developing countries

Peat

partially decayed organic matter found underneath bogs and marshes in anaerobic conditions. Can be turned into coal over time, but can also directly be burned as a biomass fuel

Lignite

the least energy dense form of coal

bituminous coal

The most common form of coal; produces a high amount of heat and is used extensively by electric power plants. Middle energy density

anthracite

the cleanest-burning and most energy-dense coal; almost pure carbon.

Natural gas

flammable gas, consisting largely of methane and other hydrocarbons, occurring naturally underground (often in association with petroleum) and used as fuel. Primarily for heating homes and generating electricity

petroleum (crude oil)

Liquid hydrocarbons formed from the compression of fossilized organic matter over millions of years. Extracted by drilling wells. Converted in refineries to a wide range of products such as plastic, asphalt, gasoline, and jet-fuel

tar sands/oil sands

a mixture of clay, sand, water, and a combustible organic material called bitumen (tar). Requires more energy to extract that conventional oil. Highly water intensive.

Bitumen (tar or pitch)

A degraded type of petroleum that forms when a petroleum migrates close to the surface, where bacteria metabolize some of the light hydrocarbons and others evaporate