POWER PLANT

Definition:
A power plant is an industrial facility used to generate electric power with the help of one or
more generators which converts different energy sources into electric power.

Electricity is a secondary energy source, which means that electricity is obtained from the
conversion of other primary sources of energy, such as coal, natural gas, nuclear, solar,
or wind energy. The energy sources used to make electricity can be renewable or non-
renewable, but electricity itself is neither renewable nor non-renewable. The power plant is the
location in which the energy conversions take place.

Traditionally, large power plants have been located in sub-urban regions away from cities, as
they need a vast area of land and sometimes water. All electricity produced in a power plant is
alternating current (AC). The type of electric current found in your home is direct current (DC)

In general, power plants can be divided into two categories - conventional and non-
conventional power plants.

Conventional power plants are:

Fossil fuel power plants: Generates electric power by burning fossil
fuels like coal, natural gas or diesel.
Nuclear power plants: Controlled nuclear reaction is maintained to generate electricity.
Hydroelectric power plants: Electricity is produced by building dams on suitable rivers.
Non-conventional power plants are:
Wind power plants: The kinetic energy of wind is used to create power.
Solar power plants: Generates power by collecting solar radiation.
Geothermal power plants: Uses the natural heat found in the deep levels of the earth to
generate electricity.
Biomass power plants: Natural organic matter is burnt to produce electricity.
Conclusion:
Each power plant technology has advantages and disadvantages. For example, nuclear power
plants provide large quantities of reliable power with low levels of greenhouse gas
emissions. Fossil fuel power plants deliver on-demand, consistent and reliable energy when the
resources are available. Hydro, solar and wind power plants generate renewable electricity,
thereby delivering emissions-free electricity.

Types of Energy Resources:

Sources of energy can be divided into two main categories: renewable and non-renewable.
Renewable simply means that the source can be rejuvenated to provide an almost endless
supply of energy. Non-renewable sources are those that are prone to running out.

Renewable Energy Sources:

 Sun:
Solar power is obtained by collecting the sun's heat and/or light using solar panels and
photovoltaic panels and converting it into useable energy. It is commonly used for heating,
cooking and electricity production.
Pros
There is no emission of greenhouse gases in production of solar power.
There is no fear of the sun running out or getting depleted.
Cons
Solar power stations are costly to put up.
Power generation is dependent on sunny weather conditions that aren't always available.
Wind:
Wind towers have their blades turned by wind which in turn rotates magnets that produce
electricity using a generator. They are usually used in large-scale on wind farms for greater
profitability. This method is usually used in Europe, Asia and United States.
Pros
The only cost incurred is that of building the wind towers.
Safety risks are next to none when dealing with the turbines.
Generation of wind power does not result in the production of greenhouse gases.
Cons
Wind towers can only be in areas that are relatively windy and even then not every day is
sufficiently windy for energy production.
For adequate power generation, numerous wind towers must be built.
Wind mills have been said to be aesthetically unpleasant to look at.
Geothermal:
This is heat trapped in the earth's core that is harnessed to generate energy.
Pros
There is no emission of harmful gases so long as the process is properly carried out.
Power plants are relatively small thus have no adverse effects on the surrounding areas.
Cons
Pollutants may be produced if drilling is done improperly.
Geothermal sites can run out of steam.

Non-Renewable Energy Sources:

The main non-renewable sources are fossil fuels and nuclear energy.
Fossil Fuels: These are found in three types- coal, petroleum and natural gas- all of which
are derived from the decomposition of plant and animal matter.
Pros
They are more easily available than other energy sources
They are considered more affordable than many alternative energy sources.
Cons
These fuels are the biggest producers of greenhouse gases.
They are steadily decreasing in availability due to over-dependency on them that often results
in overuse.
Nuclear Energy Sources: Nuclear energy can be obtained either using fission or fusion.
Uranium atoms are split through fission to release large amounts of nuclear energy. The energy
is then used to heat water which turns turbines that in turn produce electricity.
 The use of fusion is thought to be more efficient than fission however research in its use is still
in its early stages.
Pros
A small amount of nuclear fuel can produce tremendous amounts of energy.
There is no emission of greenhouse gases in production of energy.
Cons
By-products from the use of nuclear fuel are highly toxic.
Supply of sources of nuclear energy like uranium is very limited.
Nuclear energy can easily be misused to carry out terrorist attacks.