Coal
Coal is a fossil fuel formed in ecosystems where plant remains were preserved by water and mud. Coal is primarily used as a solid fuel to produce electricity and heat through combustion. When coal is used for electricity generation, it is usually pulverized and then burned in a furnace with a boiler. The furnace heat converts boiler water to steam, which is then used to spin turbines which turn generators and create electricity.

Advantages
It is relatively cheap to convert into energy and supplies will last longer than oil or gas.

Disadvantages 
Burning coal releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. It also causes acid rain.

Oil
Oil is a carbon based liquid found under ground in large reservoirs. It is formed from fossilised plants and animals. Humans drill for oil which is then pumped to the surface. It is processed for use by industry and transport.

Advantages
It is relatively cheap to extract and convert into energy.

Disadvantages
It is finite, when burnt it releases greenhouse gases.

Natural Gas
Methane gas is trapped between seams of rock below the surface of the earth.

Advantages
Cheap to extract and cleaner than oil and coal.

Disadvantages
It is finite, when burnt it releases greenhouse gases.

Nuclear
Nuclear energy involves extracting radioactive minerals such as uranium. The atoms of these minerals are split or joined together. Electricity is generated from the energy created by this.

Advantages
Only a small amount of radioactive material is required, there are no atmospheric pollutants and raw materials are relatively cheap,

Disadvantages
It is expensive to produce, the waste is highly toxic and needs to be stored for 100s even 1000s of years and accidental leakage can cause massive environmental problems.