Frequently Asked Questions
What is the efficiency of different types of power plants?
One measure of the efficiency of power plants that convert a fuel into heat and into electricity is the heat rate, which is the amount of energy used by an electrical generator or power plant to generate one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity. EIA expresses heat rates in British thermal units (Btu) per net kWh generated. Net generation is the amount of electricity a power plant (or generator) supplies to the power transmission line connected to the power plant. It accounts for all the electricity that the plant itself consumes to operate the generator(s) and other equipment, such as fuel feeding systems, boiler water pumps, cooling equipment, pollution control devices, etc.
Historical average annual heat rates for fossil fuel and nuclear power plants.
Average annual heat rates for specific types of fossil-fuel generators and nuclear power plants for most recent year available.
To express the efficiency of a generator or power plant as a percentage, divide the equivalent Btu content of a kWh of electricity (which is 3,412 Btu) by the heat rate. For example, if the heat rate is 10,140 Btu, the efficiency is 34%; if the heat rate is 7,500 Btu, the efficiency is 45%.
EIA does not have estimates for the efficiency of generators using hydro, solar, and wind energy.
Last updated: February 7, 2012
Other FAQs about Electricity
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