How did steam power change the locations where factories could operate?

Before the widespread adoption of steam power, factories were primarily dependent on natural energy sources such as wind, water, horses, or human labor. Because water and wind power rely on unpredictable environmental conditions, industrial operations were historically constrained to specific locations where these resources were readily available, such as along fast-flowing streams or rivers.123

The development of the Watt steam engine fundamentally changed this by removing these geographical constraints. Because steam power was not environment-dependent, factories were no longer required to be situated near water sources. This innovation allowed factories to operate in a wider variety of locations, facilitating the expansion of industry and serving as a major driver of the Industrial Revolution.145