How power plants work
in interactive 3D.
Choose a technology to explore an animated 3D model. Follow each step from the energy source to the grid, compare the main technology variations, then find real examples on the map.
Wind turbine
A wind turbine converts the kinetic energy of moving air into rotation, then into electricity.
Explore in 3DSolar photovoltaic plant
Photovoltaic (PV) cells turn light directly into electricity.
Explore in 3DHydropower station
Hydropower uses the energy of falling or flowing water.
Explore in 3DNuclear power station
A nuclear power station is a thermal plant.
Explore in 3DCombined-cycle gas plant
A combined-cycle plant recovers more energy from its fuel: a gas turbine generates electricity, then its hot exhaust makes steam for a second turbine..
Explore in 3DCoal-fired power station
A coal plant is a steam-turbine plant.
Explore in 3DGeothermal power plant
Geothermal plants use heat from deep underground.
Explore in 3DBiomass and waste-to-energy plant
This model shows solid biomass feeding a grate-fired boiler and steam turbine, with useful heat supplied as well as electricity.
Explore in 3DBattery storage
Grid batteries do not generate electricity.
Explore in 3DTidal stream turbine
Tidal energy uses the rise and fall of the sea, caused by the Moon and Sun.
Explore in 3DSimplified illustrations, not engineering drawings. Explanations are based on the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Energy Explained series and other cited sources.