Difference between reactive load and source?
The concept of reactive power was invented to explain why the power consumed by an indiction motor is not simply voltage multiplied by current. Since the motor is inductive, the convention is to say that inductors consume reactive power and capacitors supply it. We say that a synchronous generator functions as a capacitor because it can be a source of reactive power consumed by an induction motor. The terminology is difficult to follow, because the concept of &quot;consuming&quot; reactive power is not technically correct, but it is convenient for the situations in which it is used.
Here is an explanation of the naming convention.
See also: What is reactive energy?