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.

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Most commonly the power comes from burning coal.

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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, Nevada

Photograph: Southern California Edison Co

Craig Power, Colorado

Photograph: Tri-State G&T Association

Natural Gas Fired Power Plant�Moss Landing, California Operator: Duke Energy�Photograph by Declan McCullagh

Solar Power Plant�Prescott, AZ Operator: Arizona Public Service�Photograph courtesy of Power

Nuclear Power Plant�Diablo Canyon, California Operator: PG&E�Photo taken by Jim Zimmerlin, PG&E Employee

Wind Power Plants��

Medicine Bow, WY

Operator: Platte River Power Authority�Photo: Greg Goebel

Spanish Fork Canyon. UT

Operator: Wasatch Wind LLC�Photo: Suzion