Basic conceptsPower plant types determine the efficiency

The efficiency of a power plant describes the output of the power plant relative to the heat value of the fuel used (total electrical efficiency).

The greater the efficiency, the better the utilisation of the fuel. The efficiency describes the percentage of energy contained in the fuel that is converted into electricity. The rest is lost during conversion or in the form of exhaust heat. The greater the efficiency, the less carbon dioxide (CO₂) released per generated kilowatt-hour.