How is Electricity Generated?

In the UK, most electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels. However, eventually supplies of fossil fuels will be depleted so electricity is increasingly being generated from renewable energy sources such as wind and hydro power.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources are those which can be replenished. In wind farms, wind turns blades of a turbine which are connected to a generator.

Non-Renewable Energy

Non-renewable energy sources are those which run out. In coal, oil and gas fired power stations fossil fuels are burned to produce heat. The heat boils water to produce steam which drives a generator to produce electricity.

When electricity has been generated it leaves the power station on extra high voltage transmission power lines – they are like the motorway network for power!