How a coal-fired power plant generates electricity

This model, based on our Big Stone Plant, explains the systems and processes required to generate electricity at coal-fired power plants.

If you'd like to learn more about a specific system or part of the power plant, click on the number or name from this list:

Fuel handling (1) Rotary dumper (2) Storage building (3) Alternate fuel-handling facility (4) Transfer house	Furnace (5) Silos (6) Cyclone furnaces (7) Boiler furnace (8) Forced-draft fans	Electric generation (9) Turbine (10) Generator
Electric transmission (11) Transformer (12) Substation	Environmental equipment (13) Fans (14) Precipitator (15) Ash silo (16) Stack (17) Emission monitors	Water handling (18) Cooling pond (19) Condenser (20) Brine concentrator