Burning fossil fuels yields carbon dioxide, water and energy; the process of burning fossil fuels is known as “combustion”.

When fossil fuels are burned, they release nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, which contribute to the formation of smog and acid rain. The most common nitrogen-related compounds emitted into the air by human activities are collectively referred to as nitrogen oxides.

The principal air pollutants resulting from fossil fuel combustion are the following: (a) carbon monoxide; (b) the oxides of sulfur, SO2 and SO3 (represented as SOx); (c) the oxides of nitrogen, NO and NO2 (NOx); and (d) ‘particulates’, consisting primarily of very fine soot and ash particles.

Renewable energy is growing fast in the U.S., but fossil fuels still dominate. As far back as we have data, most of the energy used in the U.S. has come from coal, oil and natural gas. In 2018, those “fossil fuels” fed about 80% of the nation’s energy demand, down slightly from 84% a decade earlier.

natural gas

Natural Gas

LNG is the cleanest fossil fuel. In the context of the current energy transition sought by the European Commission, it represents an excellent alternative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help combat global warming.

Coal

With its roughly 25% lower carbon content than diesel and its decent energy density, LNG does have some appeal as an alternative fuel for long-haul trucks. However, issues quickly become apparent when assessing not only CO2 but all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the complete well-to-wheel (WTW) fuel chain.