definition
strict definition
power generation
Sites harnessing available energy sources to produce usable electricity or heat.
Power generation includes all sorts of sites for harnessing raw energy, whether in the form of electricity or heat.
The useful output can be electricity or heat, so an electrical generator is not required at every site. A heat generation facility produces heat for supply to other structures.
Distribution carries energy from a source toward its users. A power distribution site therefore has a different immediate function from the place generating the supply.
power generation Photos
More specific definitions
13 sub-definitions-
coal-burning power plant
A facility that generates electricity by converting energy released through coal combustion. -
geothermal power plant
A facility for generating electric power by harnessing heat energy from the earth's crust. -
heat generation
A central facility generating heat for distribution to other structures, usually through hot water or steam. -
hydroelectric power plant
A facility for generating electric power by harnessing naturally flowing water. -
natural gas power plant
A facility generating electricity by burning natural gas, a methane-rich fossil fuel. -
nuclear power plant
A facility generating electricity from nuclear fission or fusion, usually with a reactor and associated supporting facilities. -
oil-burning power plant
A facility generating electricity by burning petroleum fuel and converting the released energy. -
solar power generation
A photovoltaic generating site, generally supplying electricity to a utility grid rather than only its host structure. -
tidal power harnessing
A facility generating electricity from the regular movement of ocean water caused by the tides. -
waste burning power plant
A facility for generating electric power by burning garbage and waste products. -
water/hydrogen power plant
A facility generating electricity from the reaction of hydrogen with oxygen, with water formed as a product. -
wind power generation
Electricity generation from wind turbines, including freestanding turbines and qualifying installations on other structures. -
wood-burning power plant
A facility that converts energy released by burning wood into usable electric power.