The molecules of chemical compounds consist of atoms of two or
more different chemical elements. These atoms are kept together
in the molecule with electromagnetic forces. Because of these
forces, energy is stored in the chemical compound. This energy
is called chemical energy. In a thermoelectric plant chemical
compounds such as oil, coal, lignite, or natural gas are burned
(that means they react with oxygen). From this reaction heat is
released, which means that part of the original chemical energy
is transformed to thermal energy. This thermal energy is used to
heat up a boiler filled up with water. The water transformed
into steam under pressure. The steam is released to the turbines
transmitting kinetic energy to them, and therefore it cools. The
turbines in turn rotate the generators that produce electricity.
The steam after being used to turn the turbines becomes water
again. It is still hot, but not hot enough to be used to turn
another turbine. This water is often used in homes in the nearby
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