Generating capacity refers to the maximum amount of electricity that can be produced by a power plant or an electrical generating system in a given time period. It is usually measured in megawatts (MW) and represents the total output of all generators operating together, taking into account their efficiency and availability factors. The term is often used to compare different types of power plants, such as coal-fired, nuclear or renewable energy sources like wind or solar, based on how much electricity they can produce over a period of time.