General overview

The evolution of power plants has been marked by a dynamic interplay of innovation, sustainability, and the pursuit of cleaner energy sources. From coal-fired steam engines to modern renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power, the sector has continually adapted to meet growing energy demands while addressing environmental concerns. The 21st century has seen a pivotal shift toward cleaner energy sources, driven by the urgent need to mitigate climate change. Advancements in renewable energy technologies, particularly in solar and wind power, have led to widespread deployment and increased efficiency. Energy storage solutions have also improved, addressing intermittency issues associated with renewables. Decarbonization initiatives and the integration of smart technologies into power plants have further optimized operations and enhanced efficiency. The rise of distributed energy resources, including microgrids and community-based renewable energy projects, is fostering a more decentralized and resilient energy ecosystem. Despite challenges such as the need for rapid power output adjustments and energy storage solutions, small-scale power plants are poised to play a key role in the future energy system, contributing to sustainability, resilience, and decentralization. This chapter aims to give an overview of the status, trend, and perspective of power production and to stress the future relevance of small-size power plants.