system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: If a wind turbine (or any generator) is producing electricity but no one is using it where does the electricity go?
gpt
Nowhere. The effort needed to turn the wind turbine is equal the produced power. The more load is needed the harded is to turn the turbine. If you disconnect the load it will be very easy to turn the turbine. There still be voltage but there will be no currect.

In real life you have to stop such a generator the prevent damage. This is valid not only for wind turbines but any other generator eg. in nuclear power plant. Let's say that eg. power lines to power plant is damaged and the plant is cut away from grid. Then the reactor has to be stopped and steam is vented away from turbine. Withtout load and still huge steam delivery to turbine it would speed up and damage.