4. Conclusion

The unit power of generators and the structure of networks and power plants have evolved considerably since the early days of electrification. In each country, these factors depend on local resources, the state of development of the country, fluctuations in the price of oil and gas, public opinion and, particularly in Europe, carbon emissions.

In highly industrialized countries, where water resources are already widely exploited, current equipment is mainly based on fossil- or nuclear-fired thermal power plants and gas turbine power plants, which provide base load power. Peak load power is provided by older hydraulic power plants, combustion turbine units and pumped storage plants, which transfer energy from off-peak hours to peak hours.