Heat Values of Various Fuels
The heat value of a fuel is the amount of heat released during its combustion. Also referred to as energy or calorific value, heat value is a measure of a fuel's energy density, and is expressed in energy (joules) per specified amount (e.g. kilograms).
| Heat value | |
| Hydrogen (H2) | 120-142 MJ/kg |
|---|---|
| Methane (CH4) | 50-55 MJ/kg |
| Methanol (CH3OH) | 22.7 MJ/kg |
| Dimethyl ether - DME (CH3OCH3) | 29 MJ/kg |
| Petrol/gasoline | 44-46 MJ/kg |
| Diesel fuel | 42-46 MJ/kg |
| Crude oil | 42-47 MJ/kg |
| Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) | 46-51 MJ/kg |
| Natural gas | 42-55 MJ/kg |
| Hard black coal (IEA definition) | >23.9 MJ/kg |
| Hard black coal (Australia & Canada) | c. 25 MJ/kg |
| Sub-bituminous coal (IEA definition) | 17.4-23.9 MJ/kg |
| Sub-bituminous coal (Australia & Canada) | c. 18 MJ/kg |
| Lignite/brown coal (IEA definition) | <17.4 MJ/kg |
| Lignite/brown coal (Australia, electricity) | c. 10 MJ/kg |
| Firewood (dry) | 16 MJ/kg |
| Natural uranium, in LWR (normal reactor) | 500 GJ/kg |
| Natural uranium, in LWR with U & Pu recycle | 650 GJ/kg |
| Natural uranium, in FNR | 28,000 GJ/kg |
| Uranium enriched to 3.5%, in LWR | 3900 GJ/kg |
Uranium figures are based on 45,000 MWd/t burn-up of 3.5% enriched U in LWR
MJ = 106 Joule, GJ = 109 J
MJ to kWh @ 33% efficiency: x 0.0926
One tonne of oil equivalent (toe) is equal to 41.868 GJ
Notes & references
General sources
NIST Chemistry WebBook
OECD/IEA Electricity Information (various editions)
International Gas Union, Natural Gas Conversion Guide
Related information
Energy Return on InvestmentCarbon Dioxide Emissions From Electricity
Energy Subsidies