Electricity generation and power stations

In short: Almost all electricity is generated by generators in which a magnet is moved in a coil. Different power stations drive the generator with steam, wind or water. Solar cells generate electricity directly from light.

In more detail: The principle is electromagnetic induction (magnetismus-grundlagen).

In detail

• Steam power stations: Coal, gas, biomass or nuclear fission heat water; the steam drives a turbine.
• Hydropower: Flowing or dammed water turns turbines.
• Wind power: The rotor blades drive the generator (erneuerbare-energien-ueberblick).
• Photovoltaics: Solar cells convert light directly into direct current (solarzelle-funktionsweise).
• Power grid: High-voltage lines transport electricity with low loss.
• Control: Generation and consumption must constantly balance.
• Storage: Batteries and pumped storage compensate for fluctuations (stromspeicher-und-eigenverbrauch).
• Energy mix: In Germany the share of renewable energy is rising.