Power Plants and How they Work

Power Plants and How they Work

80% of all energy used in the United States is formed in this way

There are many different ways to heat water to create steam.

Power Plants use energy to heat water.

Most commonly the power comes from burning coal.

Diagram of a Turbine

Steam from heated water turns the blades around a shaft. The turning creates electricity.

Most of our energy is created by turning this turbine.

Turned by burning coal and natural gas and solar, wind, and nuclear energy

Coal Fired Power Plants

Mohave Power, NevadaPhotograph: Southern California Edison Co

Craig Power, ColoradoPhotograph: Tri-State G&T Association

Natural Gas Fired Power PlantMoss Landing, California Operator: Duke Energy

Photograph by Declan McCullagh

Solar Power PlantPrescott, AZ Operator: Arizona Public Service

Photograph courtesy of Power

Nuclear Power PlantDiablo Canyon, California Operator: PG&E

Photo taken by Jim Zimmerlin, PG&E Employee

Wind Power Plants

Medicine Bow, WY Operator: Platte River Power AuthorityPhoto: Greg Goebel

Spanish Fork Canyon. UT Operator: Wasatch Wind LLCPhoto: Suzion