Coal-fired station. Coal-fired power station at night. The plumes of the combustion chimney (at left) and cooling towers (at right) are illuminated by the station's own lighting. 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 Flue Gas Desulphurisa- tion equipment to reduce the pollution it causes. Photographed at Drax power station, Great Britain.