Understanding HHV Carbon Intensity of Fuels

The Higher Heating Value (HHV) carbon intensity quantifies the amount of carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) emitted per unit of energy released when a fuel is completely burned. Fuels with a higher carbon content inherently possess a greater HHV carbon intensity.

Comparing Fuel Carbon Intensity

We assess the HHV carbon intensity for each fuel type:

• Nuclear fuel: Generates energy via nuclear fission, not combustion. Thus, it has virtually zero carbon intensity.
• Natural gas: As a fossil fuel, it releases $CO_2$, but generally less than oil or coal.
• Oil: Another fossil fuel, it has a higher carbon content and thus higher carbon intensity compared to natural gas.
• Bituminous coal: This specific type of coal is characterized by a substantial carbon content, typically higher than that found in oil or natural gas.

Identifying the Fuel with Highest Carbon Intensity

Considering the carbon composition:

• Bituminous coal contains the most carbon per unit of mass among the fossil fuels listed.
• Consequently, its combustion yields the highest emission of $CO_2$ relative to the energy produced, indicating the highest HHV carbon intensity.

Therefore, Bituminous coal stands out as having the highest HHV carbon intensity among the options provided.