<P> Coal is the most abundant and burned fossil fuel . This was the fuel that launched the industrial revolution and has continued to grow in use ; China , which already has many of the world 's most polluted cities , was in 2007 building about two coal - fired power plants every week . Coal is the fastest growing fossil fuel and its large reserves would make it a popular candidate to meet the energy demand of the global community , short of global warming concerns and other pollutants . According to the International Energy Agency the proven reserves of coal are around 909 billion tonnes , which could sustain the current production rate for 155 years , although at a 5 % growth per annum this would be reduced to 45 years , or until 2051 . With the Fischer - Tropsch process it is possible to make liquid fuels such as diesel and jet fuel from coal . In the United States , 49 % of electricity generation comes from burning coal . </P>
<P> Coal is the most abundant and burned fossil fuel . This was the fuel that launched the industrial revolution and has continued to grow in use ; China , which already has many of the world 's most polluted cities , was in 2007 building about two coal - fired power plants every week . Coal is the fastest growing fossil fuel and its large reserves would make it a popular candidate to meet the energy demand of the global community , short of global warming concerns and other pollutants . According to the International Energy Agency the proven reserves of coal are around 909 billion tonnes , which could sustain the current production rate for 155 years , although at a 5 % growth per annum this would be reduced to 45 years , or until 2051 . With the Fischer - Tropsch process it is possible to make liquid fuels such as diesel and jet fuel from coal . In the United States , 49 % of electricity generation comes from burning coal . </P>
where does the world get most of its energy
where does the world get most of its energy
Coal
Coal