Elektrijaama

Elektrijaama, also known as a power plant or electric power station, is an industrial facility that generates electric power from various sources of energy. The primary purpose of an elektrijaama is to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, which can then be distributed to consumers through the electrical grid. Elektrijaamas can be categorized based on the type of fuel they use, such as thermal power plants, hydroelectric power plants, nuclear power plants, and renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal power plants.

Thermal power plants, the most common type, use fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, or oil to heat water and produce steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator. Hydroelectric power plants utilize the energy from falling or fast-flowing water to turn a turbine. Nuclear power plants generate electricity by harnessing the energy released from nuclear fission reactions. Renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and geothermal power plants, convert sunlight, wind, and geothermal heat into electrical energy using photovoltaic cells, wind turbines, and geothermal heat pumps, respectively.

Elektrijaamas play a crucial role in the modern economy by providing the electricity needed for various applications, from residential and commercial use to industrial processes. They also contribute to the overall energy mix, helping to meet the growing demand for electricity while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, the operation of elektrijaamas can have environmental impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste generation, which must be carefully managed to minimize their adverse effects on the environment.