Any fossil fuel list includes the big three: oil, natural gas and coal. Biogenic theory says all three of these originated millions of years ago from dead plants and animals. Although the biogenic process continues today, scientists consider fossil fuel a nonrenewable energy source because it takes so long for new fuel to form. Abiogenic theory suggests that petroleum may date as far back as the formation of the planet itself. The theory states that fluids in the earth's mantle carry carbon toward the earth's surface. Most scientists embrace the biogenic theory, but if the abiogenic hypothesis is correct, there may be more petroleum available than previously believed.

Fossil fuel provides approximately 85 percent of energy production in the world. Coal contains carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen and hydrogen. Natural gases include methane, propane, butane, pentane and ethane. Crude oil is a thick liquid, but contains many of the same elements as coal. All three of these fossil fuels are combustible.

1. Locate a fossil fuel provider for coal.

2. Invest in crude oil fossil fuel.

3. Find fossil fuel in natural gas.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate a fossil fuel provider for coal

The world burns more than 6 billion tons of coal each year. About 40 to 75 percent of worldwide coal usage generates electricity. In the United States, about 90 percent of all coal usage goes to produce electricity.

I recommend: You can buy 50-pound bags of blacksmith coal at Penn Keystone Coal. You can also purchase coal at Arch Coal, which is in St. Louis. Investors are welcome.

Invest in crude oil fossil fuel

Crude oil, or petroleum, is a flammable liquid used as a primary energy source for powering engines. Although crude oil is an important fuel oil, about 16 percent of it helps create plastic, medicine, fertilizer and other chemical products. The world consumes more than 64 million barrels of crude oil per day with about 24 percent of that used in the United States.

I recommend: If you are interested in investing in crude oil fossil fuel, you may be interested in an independent oil producing company. Check out Northstar Energy in Plano, Texas. You can also investigate Anadarko Petroleum.

Find fossil fuel in natural gas

Natural gas is a fossil fuel comprised of combustible gases such as methane, butane and propane. Because it produces less carbon dioxide than burning coal or oil, it is becoming increasingly important as a fuel source. It powers gas and steam turbines for electrical generation, and fuels motor vehicles. It also powers many home appliances.

I recommend: In Ohio, Kentucky or Indiana, consider investing in Duke Energy. To start natural gas services in Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi or Oklahoma, look at CenterPoint Energy to become your provider.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you consider investing in fossil fuel through an independent oil company, be aware that most of them are small operations seldom involved in refining oil. Their main operations usually involve searching and drilling.