Which of the following fuels does not produce carbon emissions?

Solar energy does not produce carbon emissions during its operation, as it harnesses energy from the sun without any combustion process involved. Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells or concentrate solar power systems, both of which operate without releasing carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. This characteristic makes solar energy a clean and renewable energy source, contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution.

In contrast, natural gas, coal, and petroleum are all fossil fuels that release carbon dioxide when burned for energy. Combustion of these fuels is responsible for a significant amount of carbon emissions, contributing to global warming and environmental degradation. Therefore, solar energy stands out as the option that is free from direct carbon emissions in its energy production process.