Why thermal power plants have a relatively low efficiency

Thermal power plants are the backbone of our electricity system. However, because of their relatively low efficiency, these plants are often judged inefficient and should be replaced as soon as possible by 'better ones'.

In this  contribution, Eike Roth presents an argument that such conclusion may be a bit rash. Efficiency of power plants is defined on a combination of the laws of physics with manmade conventions. In practice, the contribution of each power station should be judged on a combination of factors, such as:

• efficiency
• environmental impact
• availability
• dispatchability