power station
B2Neutral, widely used in general, technical, news, and educational contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A large industrial facility where electrical power is generated for distribution.
A complex of buildings and equipment designed for the large-scale generation of electricity, often from a primary energy source like coal, gas, nuclear fuel, or renewable sources.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers to the complete facility, not just a single generator. The term implies a permanent, substantial installation connected to a power grid.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is standard in both. In the US, 'power plant' is equally common and often preferred in everyday speech. 'Generating station' is a more formal/technical variant in both.
Connotations
None specific. Both terms are neutral descriptors of infrastructure.
Frequency
In the UK, 'power station' is the dominant term. In the US, 'power plant' is slightly more frequent in general usage, though 'power station' is perfectly understood and used.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [ADJECTIVE] power station [VERB]A power station powered by [SOURCE]to build/decommission/operate a power stationVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(like) a [something] power station (simile for something very powerful or energetic, e.g., 'He eats like a power station')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Discussions about energy infrastructure investment, utility company assets, or market reports.
Academic
In engineering, environmental science, geography, and economics papers discussing energy production.
Everyday
News reports about energy, discussions about local infrastructure, or when referencing large, visible industrial buildings.
Technical
Precise specifications of capacity (MW), fuel type, efficiency, and grid connection points.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council voted against power-stationing the new development near the estuary.
- The region was heavily power-stationed in the mid-20th century.
American English
- The company is looking to power-plant the facility using natural gas.
- The area is not suitable for power-planting due to seismic activity.
adverb
British English
- The energy was generated power-station efficiently.
American English
- The system was designed to operate power-plant reliably.
adjective
British English
- They conducted a power-station safety review.
- The power-station chimney was a local landmark.
American English
- The power-plant workers went on strike.
- We need a power-plant feasibility study.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The power station is very big.
- We get electricity from the power station.
- The old power station near the river is being closed.
- A new power station will provide energy for the city.
- The government has announced plans to build a nuclear power station to meet future energy demands.
- Environmentalists are protesting against the coal-fired power station due to its carbon emissions.
- Decommissioning the ageing power station is a complex and costly process that will take over a decade.
- The feasibility study analysed several potential sites for the combined-cycle gas power station, weighing grid connectivity against environmental impact.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TRAIN station where trains (transport) arrive and depart. A POWER station is where electrical power is 'produced' and then 'dispatched' along wires.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURCE (of power/energy). The station is conceptualised as the origin point from which power flows.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal reverse translation 'силовая станция' as it is incorrect. The correct Russian equivalent is 'электростанция'.
- Do not confuse with 'подстанция', which is a 'substation' (a distribution point, not a generation point).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'power station' for a single generator in a home or factory (use 'generator').
- Misspelling as 'powerstation' (should be two words).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common synonym for 'power station' in American everyday English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A power station (or power plant) generates electricity. A substation is a facility that transforms voltage from high to low (or vice versa) and distributes electricity; it does not generate power.
Yes. While traditionally associated with fossil fuels or nuclear, terms like 'solar power station', 'wind power station', or 'hydroelectric power station' are perfectly valid, though 'solar/wind farm' or 'hydroelectric dam' are often more specific.
A 'generator' is the machine that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. A 'power station' is the entire industrial site containing one or many generators, along with boilers, cooling towers, control rooms, and other infrastructure.
It is largely a matter of regional preference (UK vs. US) and register. 'Power station' can sound slightly more formal or technical to some American ears, while it is the default in the UK. In technical writing, the choice may be dictated by company or industry style guides.
Explore