How do we remove sulfur from fossil fuels before burning them?

For coal, washing removes a little of the sulfur, but most stays with the coal and is removed afterward if it is a high-sulfur coal (e.g., Illinois bituminous) or emitted to the atmosphere if it is a low-enough sulfur coal, like subbituminous coal. read more

The concentrated H2S is incinerated if it is a small quantity of sulfur but in many cases where many tons per year of sulfur equivalent are involved, the gas is sent to a Claus plant and follow up Tail Gas Treating Unit and 99+% is removed before venting the inert residual gas (H2O, CO2). read more

All fossil fuels contain sulphur, at least to some extent. Oil that has a high level of sulphur is called 'sour' crude, as opposed to 'sweet' crude which has a low sulphur level. Natural gas can also be 'sweet' or 'sour'. read more