sähkövoimalaitosten

Sähkövoimalaitokset, known in English as power plants, are industrial facilities designed for the generation of electric energy. They convert various forms of energy into electrical power, which is then distributed through a grid to consumers. The primary sources of energy used by power plants are diverse, reflecting a range of technological advancements and resource availability.

Fossil fuel power plants, such as coal, natural gas, and oil-fired facilities, represent a significant portion of global electricity generation. These plants combust fuel to heat water, producing steam that drives turbines connected to generators. Nuclear power plants utilize nuclear fission to generate heat, which also produces steam to power turbines. Renewable energy sources are increasingly important. Hydropower plants harness the kinetic energy of flowing water, typically from dams, to spin turbines. Wind farms use wind turbines to convert wind energy into electricity. Solar power plants employ photovoltaic cells or concentrated solar power systems to capture solar energy. Geothermal power plants tap into the Earth's internal heat.

The process generally involves a primary energy source, a mechanism to convert this into mechanical energy (often a turbine), and a generator that transforms mechanical energy into electrical energy. The generated electricity is then stepped up in voltage by transformers for efficient transmission over long distances. Power plants are critical infrastructure, providing the electricity that underpins modern society, from lighting and heating to industrial processes and digital communication.