The amount of energy lost as heat during the generation and transmission of electricity can vary depending on several factors, including the specific technology used, the efficiency of the power plant, and the distance over which the electricity is transmitted. However, it is worth noting that energy losses do occur at each stage of the process.
Power plant efficiency: Power plants, whether they are thermal (coal, natural gas, or oil-fired), nuclear, or renewable (such as solar or wind), convert fuel or natural resources into electricity. However, no power plant can achieve 100% efficiency, meaning that some energy is always lost as waste heat during the conversion process. The efficiency of power plants can vary significantly, ranging from around 30% to 60% or higher, depending on the technology and its specific design.
Transmission and distribution losses: After electricity is generated, it needs to be transmitted over long distances through power lines to reach consumers. During transmission and distribution, energy losses occur due to resistance in the conductors and other inefficiencies. The losses can be affected by factors such as the length of the transmission lines, the voltage levels used, and the quality of the infrastructure. Typically, transmission and distribution losses range from 5% to 10% of the total generated electricity, but they can be higher in some cases.
Overall, the total energy losses as heat during the generation and transmission of electricity can add up, resulting in a decrease in the overall efficiency of the system. It is an ongoing area of research and engineering to develop more efficient power generation technologies and improve transmission and distribution systems to minimize these losses and increase the overall sustainability of the electricity supply.