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Energy
Capacity Factor
Capacity factor is the ratio of actual energy output to maximum possible output of a power plant.
Definition
Capacity factor measures how much of a power plant's maximum potential output is actually generated over time. Formula: Capacity Factor = (Actual Output) / (Maximum Possible Output) × 100%. Typical capacity factors: (1) Nuclear: 90%+ (runs 24/7), (2) Natural gas: 50-60%, (3) Coal: 50-60%, (4) Onshore wind: 35-50%, (5) Offshore wind: 45-55%, (6) Solar PV: 20-30% (only daytime). Higher capacity factor = more reliable energy. For datacenters needing 24/7 power, combine solar (daytime) with wind (variable) and battery storage (gap filling). Morocco's wind capacity factor at Dakhla reaches 50%+ — among the world's best.
Related Keywords
capacity factorsolar capacity factorwind capacity factorpower plant utilization
Related Terms
Solar Energy
Solar energy is power generated from sunlight using photovoltaic panels or concentrated solar power.
Wind Energy
Wind energy is power generated from wind using turbines, onshore or offshore.
LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy)
LCOE measures the average cost of electricity generation over a power plant's lifetime.
Energy Storage
Energy storage systems (batteries, pumped hydro) store electricity for use when generation is low.