Nuclear power appears to be a powerful way to make steam that spins a turbine. Same with geothermal, wind, & hydro. Maybe not solar? Isn’t energy lost in the multiple energy conversions (heat, water state, kinetic)? Is it theoretically possible to have a power source that more directly moves electrons through a circuit? If solar is the only one that can, it’s limited in efficiency and where it can be used. What about power generation undersea or on Ganymede or something?
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We have the two types of energy potential and kinetic. Potential is to storage as kinetic is to work. All energy is in one of these forms. Now in simple answer yes we can make power without steam turning a turbine. Look at the ICB (internal combustion engine) powering your car! It uses controlled explosions, not steam, to spin something.
But when it boils down you are right most of our electricity is the result of some convoluted turbine rotation. You are also right that there is plenty of inefficiency in these systems. [The average coal-fired power plant in the United States operates near 33% efficiency.](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossil_fuel_power_station) I’m no expert but feel free to ask any follow ups.
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