Capacity Factor
The ratio of actual energy output to theoretical maximum output if a power plant operated continuously at full capacity.
Formula
Capacity Factor (%) = (Actual Output ÷ Maximum Theoretical Output) × 100
Real World
Hornsea One offshore wind farm in the UK has a capacity of 1.2 GW but operates at roughly a 50% capacity factor, meaning it averages around 600 MW output due to variable wind speeds.
Exam Focus
Always show the capacity factor calculation and state why the value is below 100% — intermittency is the key reason for renewables.
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