Other Generating Units. Other methods of electric power generation, which presently contribute only small amounts to total power production, have potential for expansion. Geothermal power comes from heat energy buried beneath the surface of the earth. Although most of this heat is at depths beyond current drilling methods, in some areas of the country, magma 18 flows close enough to the surface of the earth to produce steam. That steam can then be harnessed for use in conventional steam-turbine plants.
Wind power is derived from the conversion of the energy contained in wind into electricity.
A wind turbine is similar to a typical wind mill. However, because of the intermittent nature of sunlight and wind, high capacity utilization factors cannot be achieved for these plants. These sources replace fossil fuels in the boiler. The combustion of wood and waste creates steam that is typically used in conventional steam-electric plants. The rating of a generator is a measure of its ability to produce electricity.