Power Generation Technologies, 3rd Edition

Chapter 1

An Introduction to Electricity Generation

Abstract

The history of the electricity industry can be traced back to the nineteenth 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 stations delivering power across a hierarchical grid system. During the mid-part of the 20th century, nuclear stations started to provide electricity too. The industry at this stage was often built around nationalised 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 of ...