Thermal power plants are the main type of power plant used in Russia, as they can be located near fossil fuel resources like coal, oil, and gas. They are typically built near fuel extraction sites or oil refineries to reduce transportation costs. Hydroelectric power plants generate electricity from the kinetic energy of falling water using dams and turbines. Nuclear power plants differ in that they heat water and produce steam using the heat from nuclear reactions rather than combustible fuels. Thermal power currently generates most of the world's total energy output and power plants must be connected through power systems to ensure a reliable and cost-effective energy supply.