4H - Generation of electricity

Covered how electricity is generated by using coal, oil and gas. They all work in the same way by using the heat given off by the fuel as it is burned to change water into steam and turn the turbine to generate electricity.

Also looked at hydroelectric power stations as well. They use water released from a height to turn a turbine and generate electricity. A pumped storage hydroelectric power station uses the same technique. Water is pumped back to the reservoir, usually at night when the energy demand is low. The water is then released to help 'boost' the amount of energy available at peak usage times.