Introduction to Power Stations

Power stations are facilities that generate electricity by converting various forms of energy, such as chemical, nuclear, or mechanical energy, into electrical energy. They play a crucial role in providing the electricity needed for homes, industries, and infrastructure.

Thermal power stations burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, or gas to produce steam, which drives turbines connected to generators. Surprisingly, over 60% of the world's electricity is still generated by these plants, despite the push for renewable energy.

Nuclear power stations use nuclear reactions to produce heat, which generates steam for turbines. Did you know? A single uranium fuel pellet, the size of a pencil eraser, produces as much energy as one ton of coal or 149 gallons of oil.

Renewable energy power stations, like solar and wind farms, convert natural energy sources into electricity. Interestingly, floating solar farms on reservoirs and lakes can reduce water evaporation while generating power, solving multiple problems simultaneously.

Emerging technologies, such as fusion power and advanced geothermal systems, promise cleaner and more efficient energy production. Fusion, mimicking the sun's process, could potentially provide limitless energy with minimal environmental impact in the future.

In 2015, a squirrel caused a major blackout affecting 45,000 homes, highlighting the surprising vulnerability of power grids to even small animals.