Oxygen consumption in energy sector

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Oxygen Consumption in Energy Production

Electricity generation and the combustion of fossil fuels consume oxygen and produce carbon dioxide. What is the true value of the oxygen services provided by forests?

Electricity Generation and Oxygen Consumption

When organic materials, especially fossil fuels, are burned, oxygen is consumed while carbon dioxide is produced. Energy generation is therefore not only an economic issue, but also a question of natural resources that we do not usually perceive as having a measurable value.

The combustion equation demonstrates the basic principle: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂ → 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O. Six moles of oxygen are consumed for every mole of glucose, producing six moles of carbon dioxide.

Coal

Coal is one of the traditional fuels used to generate electricity. Its combustion is associated with high oxygen consumption as well as substantial carbon dioxide production.

  • The energy content of coal is approximately 24 MJ/kg.
  • The efficiency of a thermal power plant is approximately 35%.
  • Approximately 0.43 kg of coal is required to generate 1 kWh.
  • Burning 1 kg of coal requires approximately 2.67 kg of O₂.

Result

Generating 1 kWh consumes approximately 1.15 kg of O₂.

Natural Gas

Natural gas can be converted into energy more efficiently than coal, but its use still consumes oxygen and produces emissions.

  • The energy content of natural gas is approximately 50 MJ/kg.
  • The efficiency of a gas-fired power plant is approximately 50%.
  • Approximately 0.144 kg of methane is required to generate 1 kWh.
  • Burning 1 kg of methane requires approximately 4 kg of O₂.

Result

Generating 1 kWh consumes approximately 0.576 kg of O₂.

Oil

Oil is another fossil fuel whose combustion consumes oxygen and adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

  • The energy content of oil is approximately 42 MJ/kg.
  • The efficiency of an oil-fired power plant is approximately 40%.
  • Approximately 0.214 kg of oil is required to generate 1 kWh.
  • Burning 1 kg of oil requires approximately 3.1 kg of O₂.

Result

Generating 1 kWh consumes approximately 0.664 kg of O₂.

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Forests Produce Oxygen Free of Charge.

Tropical rainforests act as natural climate stabilisers and provide some of the planet’s most important oxygen services. Without their protection, climate change will continue to accelerate.

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