Thermal energy always uses heat to generate electricity, but facilities can produce electricity in several ways. Learn more about thermal energy and how we regulate it.
How thermal energy works
Thermal energy comes from heating water until it steams. This steam spins a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity.
There are two main sources of thermal energy: fossil fuels and geothermal heat from the Earth's core.
Fossil fuel plants burn coal, natural gas, or oil. While effective for generating energy, these facilities produce emissions that contribute to pollution and climate change.
Geothermal plants, on the other hand, use underground hot water or steam. Because it relies on heat from beneath the Earth’s surface, this type of energy is considered more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels.
How we oversee thermal energy
The following fossil fuel plants need our certification:
- Stationary thermal power plants that generate 350,000 kilowatts or more
- Floating thermal power plants that generate 100,000 kilowatts or more
Geothermal plants don’t need our approval. However, these facilities may choose to come to us for certification through our siting process.
