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Single conversion
To convert from Gigawatt-hour (GWh) to calorie (cal), use the following formula:
With is the ratio between the base units calorie (cal) and Joule (J).
Let's convert 5 Gigawatt-hour (GWh) to calorie (cal).
Using the formula:
Therefore, 5 Gigawatt-hour (GWh) is equal to calorie (cal).
Here are some quick reference conversions from Gigawatt-hour (GWh) to calorie (cal):
| Gigawatt-hours | calories |
|---|---|
| 0.000001 GWh | cal |
| 0.001 GWh | cal |
| 0.1 GWh | cal |
| 1 GWh | cal |
| 2 GWh | cal |
| 3 GWh | cal |
| 4 GWh | cal |
| 5 GWh | cal |
| 6 GWh | cal |
| 7 GWh | cal |
| 8 GWh | cal |
| 9 GWh | cal |
| 10 GWh | cal |
| 20 GWh | cal |
| 30 GWh | cal |
| 40 GWh | cal |
| 50 GWh | cal |
| 100 GWh | cal |
| 1000 GWh | cal |
| 10000 GWh | cal |
For all Energy converters, choose units using the From/To dropdowns above.
Have you ever heard terms like "gigawatt-hour" and wondered what they actually mean?
Understanding energy units like the Gigawatt-hour (GWh) is key to grasping the scale of power generation and power consumption in our modern world.
This article breaks down what a GWh is, how it compares to other units, and why it's so crucial for measuring renewable energy.
A Gigawatt-hour (GWh) is a unit used to measure a massive amount of energy.
To be precise, one GWh is equivalent to 3.6 trillion Joules ( J).
So, how much energy is a GWh? A single gigawatt-hour is enough to power about 100,000 homes for a full day or a major city like San Francisco for several hours.
This unit is commonly used to describe the energy consumption of large cities or the output of major power plants, providing a tangible scale for understanding national or regional electricity usage.
The gigawatt-hour is part of a clear system of energy measurement.
One Gigawatt-hour (GWh) is equivalent to 1,000 Megawatt-hours (MWh) or 1,000,000 Kilowatt-hours (kWh).
While your monthly electricity bill is measured in the much smaller kilowatt-hour (kWh), utility-scale projects are measured in GWh. This highlights the vast difference between your home's energy use and the amount of power generated for an entire community.
Gigawatt-hours are a critical metric for tracking the output of large-scale renewable energy facilities, such as wind farms, solar arrays, and hydroelectric dams.
For example, a large offshore wind farm's annual energy production is often stated in GWh.
This allows for a direct comparison of its capacity to contribute to the power grid and displace fossil fuels.
At its core, a calorie (cal) is a fundamental unit of energy.
While we often talk about "calories" in our food, it's essential to understand precisely what they represent.
Have you ever noticed the term "calorie" on a nutrition label? What you're actually looking at is a kilocalorie (kcal).
One kilocalorie (or "food calorie") is equal to 1,000 of the smaller, scientific calories.
The scientific definition of a single, "small" calorie (cal) is the amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water by one degree Celsius.
Knowing this difference is key to accurate calorie counting and managing your energy intake for your health and fitness goals.
Scientists use two primary methods to determine the number of calories in food:
The Bomb Calorimeter: This is the most precise method. It involves an instrument that measures the total heat released when a food sample is burned completely.
The Atwater System: This is a more common and practical method. It calculates the total energy by using average values: 4 calories per gram for carbohydrates and proteins, and 9 calories per gram for fats.
Calories aren't just for food—they are a universal measure of energy. Anything that stores and releases energy has a calorie value.
For example, you might be surprised to learn that a single gallon of gasoline contains over 31 million calories!
This shows that a calorie is simply a standard unit for potential energy, whether it's fueling your body or powering a car.