The graph below shows the production levels of main fuels in a European country from 1981 to 2000. Measured in tonnes.The line graph delineates the production levels of three primary energy sources – petroleum, coal, and natural gas – in a particular European nation over a 19-year period, commencing in 1981.
Overall, petroleum remained the most produced fuel throughout the timeframe despite significant volatility. While coal production followed a generally downward trajectory, natural gas witnessed a dramatic surge in the final years, ultimately overtaking coal to become the second most vital energy source by 2000.
In 1981, petroleum production stood at exactly 100 million tonnes. This figure saw a marked ascent to reach a plateau of 130 million tonnes between 1985 and 1988, before plummeting back to its initial level in the early 1990s. Following this trough, production levels rallied to hit a second peak of 130 million tonnes in the late 90s, before concluding the period with a slight dip to approximately 120 million tonnes.
In contrast, coal and natural gas followed divergent paths. Initially, coal output was double that of natural gas, at 80 and 40 million tonnes respectively. Coal remained stable until 1985 but then entered a period of fluctuation, eventually dwindling to a low of 45 million tonnes by the year 2000. Conversely, natural gas production remained stagnant for the first 14 years. However, from 1995 onwards, it experienced an exponential growth spurt, more than doubling to finish at roughly 85 million tonnes and eclipsing coal production in the final stage of the period.