Power Generation Technologies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 1

An Introduction to Electricity Generation

Abstract

The history of the electricity industry can be traced back to the 19th century and the work of pioneering scientists of that era. The industry in its current form began to develop during the early years of the 20th century, based on fossil fuel and hydropower power stations delivering power across a hierarchical grid system. During the middle part of the 20th century nuclear stations started to provide electricity too. The industry at this stage was often built around nationalized or heavily regulated national and regional utilities that generated, distributed, and sold electricity. However, during the late 20th century market reforms were introduced in many countries with the breakup ...