Total capacity of generators in a power station

How much power can a generator produce?

Capacity is the amount of electricity a generator can produce when it’s running at full blast. This maximum amount of power is typically measured in megawatts (MW) or kilowatts and helps utilities project just how big of an electricity load a generator can handle. U.S. nuclear generation capacity exceeded more than 99 gigawatts in 2023.

What is the difference between a generator and a power plant?

Key termsGenerator: A generator is a unit that produces electric power. A power plant typically has multiple generators. EIA data on capacity is organized by generator, not by power plant. Net summer capacity: When tracking electricity generation capacity, EIA—and most of the electricity industry—typically relies on net summer capacity.

Is power generation the same as capacity?

Capacity is not the same as electricity generation. Power plants have a capacity to produce a certain amount of power during a given time, but if they are taken offline (i.e. for maintenance or refueling) then they are not actually generating power.

What is the difference between net generation and capacity?

Most electric power plants use some of the electricity they produce to operate the power plant. Net generation excludes the electricity used for the operation of the power plant. Capacity —the maximum level of electric power (electricity) that a power plant can supply at a specific point in time under certain conditions.