Coal-fired station. Coal-fired power station at dusk. The tall tower at lower right emits gases produced by burning the fuel. The numerous, squat towers emit steam produced by the station's cooling water. This station burns coal to heat water. This produces steam which drives a turbine which generates electricity. The steam is then condensed by water in a secondary circuit and returned to be boiled again. The secondary circuit water is cooled by spraying it into the cooling towers. Burnt coal is a source of sulphur oxides which cause acid rain. This station is fitted with equipment to remove the sulphur in the exhaust gases. Photographed at Ratcliffe on Soar, UK.