The thermoelectric energy is generated from the burning of fossil fuels, such as: diesel, mineral coal, natural gas, gasoline, etc – and this process happens in the thermoelectric plants.

How does it work?

In the plants, electricity generations occurs through the burning fuel which heats the water and transforms it into steam. The steam is conducted at high pressure through a pipe that rotates turbine blades, whose shaft is coupled to a generator. After that, the steam is cooled back to its liquid state and the water is reused to be vaporized again.

Advantages

• Thermoelectric plants are usually built mores quickly than hydroelectric plants.
• They can be built near consumption regions, reducing costs with towers and transmission lines.
• Thermoelectric power is a good option for countries that do not have other sources of energy.

Disadvantages

• Release of pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
• The cost is higher compared to hydroelectric power, due to the price of fossil fuels.