Distinguish, differentiate, compare and explain what is the main difference between thermal power plant and hydro power plant in electrical generation.
Difference between thermal power plant and hydro power plant
1. A thermal power plant produces electricity by burning fossil fuels. The Hydro power plant produces electricity by the flowing water.
2. In the thermal power plant, the chemical energy of the fossil fuels is transformed into electrical energy. In hydro, the potential energy of water stored is transformed into electric energy.
3. The Burning of fossil fuels pollutes the air in thermal plant whereas, in the hydro power plant, blocking of water affects fish and other organisms in the river.
4. The Thermal power plant is easier to build where fossil fuels are available while the hydro power plant is expensive to build.