Electricity Generation Methods

Where this fits

Compare the system roles of thermal plants, nuclear, hydropower, wind, solar and other generation technologies.

Core system ideas

Electricity can be generated by converting heat, flowing water, wind, sunlight and other primary energy sources.

Generation technologies differ in fuel dependence, output variability, ramping capability, construction scale and environmental profile.

A power system usually relies on a portfolio rather than one technology because demand and operating conditions vary.

Interfaces and tradeoffs

Generation interacts with fuel or resource availability, plant auxiliaries, transmission capability, maintenance and system demand. Nameplate capacity alone never describes the full operating contribution.

What organizations measure

Capacity, energy output, capacity factor, ramping, availability, fuel use and emissions.