Dave, N3HE wrote:
"Picture an alternator delivering rated current into a resistance:---."

Reactive current adds to the total. It often comes from many lightly
loaded induction motors supplied by the power system.

Fortunately, the power factor of a synchronous motor can be varied over
a wide range by control of its excitation. Often, unloaded synchronous
motors are connected to a power system for the sole purpose of
controlling power factor. An unloaded synchronous motor can make a
really large variable capacitor.

Best regards, Richard Harrison, KB5WZI