What are the two main ways of generating electricity? How are they different from each other? Explain. (CBSE 2014)

Electricity is generated by hydropower and thermal power:

1. Hydro electricity is generated by running water while thermal power is generated by burning coal, petroleum and natural gas.

2. Hydro electricity uses renewable sources of energy while thermal power uses non-renewable fossil fuels.

3. Example of hydro electricity production: Bhakra Nangal dam

Example of thermal power production: Neyveli power plant

Explanation: Thermal power is more harmful in the long run because of its carbon emissions and it’s non-renewable while it is not so for hydropower.