<P> The availability factor of a power plant is the amount of time that it is able to produce electricity over a certain period, divided by the amount of the time in the period . Occasions where only partial capacity is available may or may not be deducted . Where they are deducted, the metric is titled equivalent availability factor (EAF). The availability factor should not be confused with the capacity factor . The capacity factor for a given period can never exceed the availability factor for the same period . The difference arises when the plant is run at less than full capacity, in which case the capacity factor is less than the availability factor . </P> <P> The availability of a power plant varies greatly depending on the type of fuel, the design of the plant and how the plant is operated . Everything else being equal, plants that are run less frequently have higher availability factors because they require less maintenance and because more inspections and maintenance can be scheduled during idle time . Most thermal power stations, such as coal, geothermal and nuclear power plants, have availability factors between 70% and 90% . Newer plants tend to have significantly higher availability factors, but preventive maintenance is as important as improvements in design and technology . Gas turbines have relatively high availability factors, ranging from 80% to 99% . Gas turbines are commonly used for peaking power plants, co-generation plants and the first stage of combined cycle plants . </P>

What is availability factor of a power plant
find me the text answering this question