Generating electricity in a conventional thermal power station starts with the combustion of natural gas, coal (pulverized coal) or fuel oil in a steam boiler. The hot steam is used to power the steam turbine. This in turn drives the generator, which generates electricity. A transformer raises the voltage of the electricity, which is fed into the grid.

Once the steam has passed through the steam turbine and released its energy, it is condensed in a condenser to form water that flows back to the steam boiler. The steam gives its heat up to the cooling water, which is heated as a result. The heated cooling water is cooled down again in a cooling tower and is reused. Flue gas from the boiler is used in waste heat recovery unit and then treated in an ESP.

A conventional thermal power station converts 35 to 40 % of the fuel energy into electricity. In some cases they also supply heat (in the form of steam) to nearby industrial plants.