thermal power
Heat-generated electrical energy
Thermal power is electricity generated by converting heat into mechanical energy, typically by burning fossil fuels or using nuclear reactions to produce steam that drives turbines.
The term distinguishes heat-based generation from hydroelectric, wind, or solar sources: The region relies heavily on thermal power plants.
A thermal power station may burn coal, natural gas, or oil.
- coalCombustible sedimentary rock
- fossil fuelEnergy from decomposed organisms
- generatorElectricity-producing machine
- steam turbinesEngines driven by pressurized vapor
- steam engineThermal vapor motor
natural gas · electricity generation · base load · energy grid · carbon emissions · boiler · nuclear fuel · heat · biomass · heat exchangers · air pollution · hiss · geothermal heat · roar · furnace · steam · oil · megawatts
thermal powersolar power
Energy derived from sunlight
wind power · hydroelectric power · renewable energy · hydropower · tidal power