Electricity Data
Electricity Generation vs Installed Capacity
Installed capacity and electricity generation are not the same metric. Capacity describes the maximum power a generator can provide under stated conditions, while generation measures energy produced over a period. This distinction is fundamental to electricity data analysis.
MW is power; MWh is energy
Megawatts (MW) express power at a point in time, while megawatt-hours (MWh) express energy produced or consumed over time. A 100 MW plant operating at full output for 24 hours would theoretically generate 2,400 MWh, although actual output depends on operating conditions.
What does capacity factor show?
Capacity factor is the ratio of actual generation to the theoretical maximum over the same period. Technology, maintenance, fuel, weather and system instructions all influence the result, so comparing technologies solely by installed capacity can be misleading.
Reading global data correctly
Cross-country analysis should check units, periods, net-versus-gross definitions and data revisions. EIA publishes generation, consumption, capacity, price and emissions series. EnergyPulse presents these datasets in comparable country and period views.
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