Question: How many things are there that can make electricity?

Shahil Juggernath answered on 15 Mar 2017:

There are LOTS of ways!

In theory, there about eight commonly known ways to convert energy into electricity.

In practice, two methods are used for all commercially sold electricity. One involves something turning to make electricity. The other involves converting sunlight directly to electricity.

Almost ALL commercial electricity is made by something turning. The “something” that turns is a turbine. Coal, Nuclear, Concentrated Solar Power use hot steam to make it turn. Wind and Hydro use wind energy and water to turn. Oil/Gas/Biomass use a heated gas to turn. Even new technologies like wave energy turn SOMETHING.