Explore our complete guide to oil energy. Learn what oil energy is, how it is extracted and refined, and the pros, cons, and alternatives in this comprehensive resource.
Oil energy comes from petroleum, a fossil fuel formed over millions of years. It powers most of the world’s transportation and is the raw material for plastics, medicines, and thousands of other products. But it is non-renewable and a major source of carbon emissions.
Learn the fundamentals of oil energy, from its ancient origins to the modern refining process.
Examine the trade-offs of oil energy and explore what comes next.
Oil is a fossil fuel, like coal and natural gas. The transition away from oil connects to solar energy, wind energy, and electric energy, which power electric vehicles and renewable grids.
Last updated: June 15, 2026