Explanation

Base Load and Peak Load power plants Power plants are categorized as base load and peak load power plants. Base Load Power plants: Plants that are running continuously over extended periods of time are said to be base load power plant. The power from these plants is used to cater the base demand of the grid. A power plant may run as a base load power plant due to various factors (long starting time requirement, fuel requirements, etc.). Examples of base load power plants are: Nuclear power plant Coal power plant Hydroelectric plant Geothermal plant Biogas plant Biomass plant Solar thermal with storage Ocean thermal energy conversion Peak Load Power plants: To cater the demand peaks, peak load power plants are used. They are started up whenever there is a spike in demand and stopped when the demand recedes. Examples of Peak load power plants are: Gas plant Solar power plants Wind turbines Diesel generators