Power Generation
Production Technology • Tier 2
Overview
Power Generation unlocks the ability to produce and distribute electricity throughout your base. This technology provides access to fuel-burning generators, renewable solar panels, and the power cables needed to connect everything together. Electricity is essential for running assemblers, turrets, research stations, and most advanced machinery. Without reliable power, your factory will grind to a halt. Power Generation is typically researched alongside or immediately after Electronics, as the two technologies work hand-in-hand to enable industrial-scale production.
Cost
250 DP
Data Points required to unlock
Prerequisites
Unlock Requirements
- Requires Electronics technology first
- Costs 250 Data Points (DP)
- Recommended to research immediately after Electronics
- Gather materials: 20 steel plates, 10 circuit boards, 5 engine parts
- Plan power grid layout before building generators
- Calculate total power needs for your base
Benefits
- Unlock Power Generator - Produces 100 kW from fuel
- Unlock Solar Panel - Produces 30 kW from sunlight (daytime only)
- Unlock Power Cable - Distribute electricity to machines
- Enable operation of assemblers, turrets, and advanced machines
- Allow automated production systems to run continuously
- Open path to Advanced Automation and end-game technologies
Tips
- Build 2-3 power generators for main base power needs
- Solar panels are cheaper long-term but need battery backup for night
- Always produce 20-30% more power than your current needs
- Separate critical systems (defense) from optional production lines
- Fuel generators are more reliable than solar for critical systems
- Build solar arrays in open areas away from base to save space
- Monitor power consumption - running out stops all machines
- Upgrade to geothermal power when you find thermal vents