How does thermal efficiency impact power generation?

Choosing higher thermal efficiency signifies that a greater portion of the available energy from fuel is effectively transformed into usable electricity. In power generation, thermal efficiency is a measure of how well an energy conversion process uses the input energy, typically derived from fuel, to produce electrical output.

When a power plant operates with higher thermal efficiency, it means that less energy is wasted as heat during the conversion process. Consequently, more of the fuel's energy content is converted into electricity, resulting in improved performance and lower operational costs. This efficiency can lead to a reduction in the amount of fuel needed to generate the same amount of electricity, which is beneficial for both economic and environmental reasons.

By contrast, lower thermal efficiency implies that more of the energy is lost, requiring additional fuel to achieve the same output, thereby increasing operational expenses and fossil fuel consumption.