Thermal energy is obtained by burning of fuel. Thermal electric stations make use of turbines driven by steam. Steam for power plants is often obtained by burning brown or bituminous coal or oil or natural gas. Heat may also be generated by nuclear fission.

Thermal power plants are more useful than hydro-electric plants. The following are some of the edges of a thermal plant over hydro-electric plant:

(a)Low Costs.

The initial capital requirement for a thermal plant is about 50% of that of hydro-electric plant. Thermal electricity is quite important in total electricity production in India. Thermal power states are generally located near the coal deposits.

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(b)Less time in Construction.

There is no need to spend time on surveying the area for installation of a thermal power plant. But for the construction of hydro­electric plant geological survey etc. and laboratory tests take considerable time. Therefore, Thermal plants take less time in construction.

(c) Use of Inferior Coal.

A large quantities of small and broken inferior grade coal can be effectively utilized for producing thermal electricity. However, the disadvantages of thermal electricity are low efficiency in terms of heating value and higher operating cost than a hydro-electric plant.

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Thermal electricity is quite important in total electricity production in India. Thermal power states are generally located near the coal deposits.

In India, the states of Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, West Bengal and Gujarat are the main producers of thermal-power.