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fossilfuelfired

Fossilfuelfired refers to devices, systems, or facilities that burn fossil fuels to release energy. The primary fuels are coal, oil, and natural gas. The term covers electricity generation, heating, and propulsion. In electricity generation, coal-fired and gas-fired power plants convert chemical energy into electrical energy via steam turbines or gas turbines. Oil-fired plants are less common but used in some regions or for backup capacity. In heating, fossilfuelfired systems include oil-fired boilers and natural gas boilers and furnaces in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Efficiency and emissions vary by technology and fuel. Historically, coal-fired plants delivered large baseload capacity but

Environmental and policy considerations are driving improvements in efficiency, fuel switching from coal to natural gas

produced
substantial
CO2,
sulfur
oxides,
and
particulates.
Gas-fired
plants
typically
emit
less
CO2
and
can
achieve
higher
efficiency
in
combined-cycle
configurations.
Modern
boilers
and
furnaces
can
achieve
high
thermal
efficiency,
but
actual
performance
depends
on
design
and
operating
conditions.
where
feasible,
and
the
deployment
of
carbon
capture
and
storage
in
some
contexts.
Shifts
toward
electrification
of
end-use
energy
and
cleaner
generation
are
affecting
the
role
of
fossilfuelfired
systems
in
many
regions.
The
term
is
primarily
used
in
technical,
historical,
or
policy
discussions
of
energy
systems.