Oil, coal and gas - they formed millions of years ago and with only a finite supply, how are scientists making the most of these non-renewable energy sources? Join Dr Rob as he goes digging for answer FOSSIL FUELS 101 What are fossil fuels? Oil, coal and gas! Dr Jim Hinkley, a research scientist from the CSIRO Energy Centre digs up a few facts about fossil fuels. LAB BREAKDOWN: COAL Coal is a sedimentary organic rock that can be set on fire! But how did it form and what types are there? To the lab with Dr Rob as he breaks down all the science behind an important fossil fuel called coal. OIL REFINERY From the petrol we put in our cars, to the roads we drive on, it all comes from crude oil. Alasdair Beveridge, a process engineer from Caltex Oil Australia shows how science is putting every drop of crude oil to good use in the refinery process. COAL SEAM GAS Coal Seam Gas is one of the lesser known fossil fuels. Tonita Gray an engineering student, from the Queensland Gas Company explains how the science of coal seam gas is all in the name - basically gas formed as a by product of coal formation. JUNIOR EXPERIMENT: DISTILLATION You can't set up your own refinery in your home, but you can experiment with distillation which is one of the processes used when extracting fossil fuels! Talia, from the Double Helix Science Club, experiments with distilling pure water from soft drink. COAL GASIFICATION Coal. It's cheap, a reliable source of power and Australia has heaps of it! But, it produces green house gases. Daniel Roberts, a research scientist from the CSIRO Energy Technology shows us how science can change this reputation by making more efficient and environmentally friendly use of this valuable fossil fuel. GEOSEQUESTRATION What can we do with all of the waste carbon dioxide being produced by fossil fuels? Patrick Hoarau, a CSIRO research engineer, explains how instead of releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, it can be captured and pumped into coal seams.