How is the total energy output of a power plant affected by its efficiency?

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The efficiency of a power plant directly impacts its total energy output, with a 62% efficiency indicating that only a portion of the energy input is converted into useful electricity. If the plant produces 1 GW of electricity, this figure represents the useful output, meaning the total energy produced is higher. To calculate the total energy output, one would use the formula: total energy output equals useful output divided by efficiency. Therefore, the total energy output is approximately 1.61 GW (1 GW / 0.62). Understanding this relationship is crucial for evaluating the performance and energy conversion of power plants.
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Basic efficiency question...

Basically, the question says that efficiency of a power plant is 62%, and that the plant produces 1 GW of electricity. Now, would this mean that the total energy produced by the plant is 1/0.62 G Joules/ second? Or would the 1 GW figure be the total energy produced, meaning 0.62 G Joules per second of useful energy is being produced?

Thanks for any help...
 
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"1 GW of electricity" implies 1 GW of useful output because electricity is fully useful.
 

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