What are the main types of power generation plants?

Main power plant types include: thermal (coal, natural gas, nuclear - using heat to produce steam that drives turbines), hydroelectric (water flow drives turbines), wind (turbines convert wind kinetic energy), solar PV (photovoltaic conversion of sunlight), and gas turbines (combustion gases directly drive turbines). Each has different characteristics regarding capacity, efficiency, cost, environmental impact, and dispatchability.