ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates on nonrenewable energy and how it has been a key part of lives—and lifestyles—for a long time now. It begins by explaining about crude oil and petroleum products and the critical roles of gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, hydrocarbon gas, and natural gas. The chapter looks at the nuclear industry, what it takes to make energy in those environments, and utilization of them. It also looks at other less-developed forms of fossil energy—tar sands and oil shale—and what lies ahead for them. Most nonrenewable energy sources are fossil fuels: coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Fossil fuels have been a valuable source of energy for a long time. They are relatively inexpensive to extract and they can be stored, piped, and shipped virtually anywhere in the world. Because of these conveniences, they have become a crucial part of lifestyle.
