Fossil fuels

• Burn fuel -> heat water to make steam -> steam turns turbines -> turbines turn generators -> electrical power
• Traditionally, Britain has relied on fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil to provide its energy
• Fossil fuels were formed over millions of years from dead organisms - coal from trees, and oil and gas from marine organisms
• All fuels have to be burnt to produce heat:

  • In electricity generation the heat is used to convert water into steam at very high pressure and temperature, which is used to drive turbines connected to generators which produce electricity
• Burning any fossil fuel produces carbon dioxide, which adds to the enhanced greenhouse effect and global warming
• Fossil fuel power stations can be built almost anywhere provided you can get the fuel to them, however, a water supply is needed for cooling so they are normally built near rivers or the sea