Fossil fuels are said to emit high levels of carbon dioxide. Calls for the discontinuity of its use has been pushed, with renewable energy being brought into the foray.
But can we really run electricity without fossil fuels?
In 2013, the world’s total primary energy supply consisted of 31.1% oil, 28.9% coal, and 21.4% natural gas – all of which are fossil fuels.
The world has been dependent on fossil fuels. In a report by The Hill, fossil fuels dominate the global production of energy for they are the most abundant, reliable, secure and affordable fuels around. However, fossil fuels are non-renewable and may take an awfully long time before fossils form into “noteworthy” quantities.
People now have been trying to resort to renewable energies for production like hydropower, solar and wind energy. Can it sustain the energy provided by fossil fuels?
In a study by Mark Jaccard of the Simon Fraser University in 2008, he said that the world economy is expected to rise to $230 trillion by 2100.
“Energy consumption due to intensive use of energy – efficient technologies will only increase three times.” he said.
Jaccard said that the only primary energy source that could meet that demand will be fossil fuels, as its reserve and resources are “still quite huge in spite of the 240 years of industrial development.”
The Hill article noted that energy coming from renewable sources will not be sufficient enough to sustain a yearlong energy demand of society.
“Renewables are a fantastic source of energy — when the renewable resource is available — but must be supported and integrated with a baseload of energy supply. And that is where fossil fuels come in, as well as the mature thinking of integration of fossil and renewable production and distribution.” Charles McConnel, contributor of The Hills said.
McConnel said that technology is the winning formula for both fossil and renewable energies, and that people must not argue on the cause, but focus on real energy sustainability and all technology necessary.
“We must improve access through improved energy storage and resource utilization, improve affordability in generation and distribution technologies, and be environmental responsible with capture and disposition of carbon dioxide emissions. “ he said.
Fossil fuels will remain to be a part of the energy mix. UNChronicle, the magazine of the United Nations said, “Fossil fuels will be part of the global energy system for decades to come—whether we like it or not.”
Author Scott Foster said there should be an open and transparent discussion on fossil fuels in the creation of what they call practical climate strategies.
