I was referring to the steam engine. it costs 500 and is the only power plant available to build when you start. But you don't start with 500 energy so.....
You should start with buying 5 mineral extractors (until you run out of energy) before you unlock power plants. After that, if you have 8 mineral extractors and 8 power plants, you'll unlock a few more helpful buildings.
Oh I think I see how you got there, you probably started mining before placing any buildings (or less than 5 mineral extractors). I guess I'll have power plants (those that generate energy without costing any) unlocked right at the start.
