6% of global electricity is generated from Unspecified Fossil Fuels

Unspecified-fossil-fuels encompass energy sources derived from fossil fuels, but their precise type is unidentified. They might include coal, oil, or gas, essentially relics from ancient plant and animal life that have undergone transformation under the earth's crust over hundreds of millions of years. They contain a substantial amount of stored energy which can be harnessed for electricity generation, but they're essentially non-renewable and also contribute a significant portion of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.

Electricity generation from unspecified-fossil-fuels is somewhat straightforward; the underlying principle is the conversion of chemical energy into thermal energy, then mechanical energy and finally into electrical energy. This is primarily done using a steam turbine. The fossil fuel is burned in a combustion chamber, creating steam which then drives a turbine connected to a generator. The motion generated by the spinning turbine is converted into electrical energy by the generator.

While the widespread prevalence of unspecified-fossil-fuels is a testament to the efficiency of this energy conversion process, there are numerous drawbacks to this energy source. The carbon intensity of these fuels is quite high, with a range from 490 gCO2eq/kWh to 820 gCO2eq/kWh. This signifies the substantial amount of CO2 emissions generated per unit of electricity produced from unspecified-fossil-fuels. This is especially dire when compared to low-carbon energy sources like nuclear, wind, and solar which have far lesser carbon intensity; nuclear produces about 12 gCO2eq/kWh, wind around 11 gCO2eq/kWh, and solar approximately 45 gCO2eq/kWh.

One of the primary concerns with the use of unspecified-fossil-fuels is that it heavily contributes to air pollution. Combusting these fossil fuels produces pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These substances are known contributors to respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease and other serious health complications in humans. At the same time, they are responsible for negative environmental impacts, including acceleration of climate change, acid rain, and damage to aquatic life.

In contrast, low-carbon energy sources such as nuclear, wind, and solar are much cleaner and sustainable alternatives. They emit far less pollutants and have smaller carbon footprints. Their use helps in mitigating the adverse health and environmental impacts contributed by the combustion of fossil fuels while also providing a substantial amount of electricity. Surely, the transition to these cleaner, green, and sustainable energy sources is not just preferable but essential for our future.