Pumped Storage Hydro

TVA seeking comment on new generation, including pumped storage hydro

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The Tennessee Valley Authority is asking for public input on the scopes of environmental reviews for three generation projects, including a pumped storage hydro plant.

These environmental reviews are the first steps in considering potential environmental impacts of projects that would support a cleaner energy future, while maintaining affordability, reliability and resiliency.

First, TVA said it is studying various technologies to store energy, including pumped storage hydroelectricity. TVA will need long-duration energy storage to meet energy demand as more intermittent renewable energy sources are added to the grid.

TVA is developing a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) to increase pumped storage hydropower capacity within its power service area. The PEIS will evaluate the potential environmental and economic impacts of several options, which include expanding the existing 1,652 MW pumped storage facility at Raccoon Mountain or constructing a new pumped storage facility at one of two locations in Jackson County, Ala.

Public comment is invited concerning the scope of the PEIS, alternatives being considered, and environmental issues that should be addressed as a part of this PEIS. Comments must be received by July 5.

The other two projects for which TVA is seeking input are a solar and battery storage project and a natural gas combustion turbine and battery energy storage system.

TVA has a strategic goal to add 10,000 MW of solar by 2035. To facilitate that goal, TVA is developing new guidance to help review solar energy and battery storage projects that could be built on private and TVA-owned land in its service area. TVA is preparing a PEIS to help develop new guidance and a bounding analysis, including recommended environmental practices and mitigation measures, that would be part of the decision-making processes.

And TVA is considering the construction of a new natural gas combustion turbine plant and battery energy storage system in Cheatham County, Tenn. TVA intends to prepare an EIS to evaluate the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed construction and operation of the energy complex on 286 acres of TVA-owned land northwest of Nashville, Tenn. The Cheatham County Generation Site would generate about 900 MW and replace generation capacity for a portion of the Cumberland Fossil Plant second unit retirement planned by the end of 2028. The addition of the proposed 400-MW battery storage system could also help TVA maintain grid stability and reliability as intermittent renewable generation is added to the system.

TVA is a corporate agency of the U.S. that provides electricity for business customers and local power companies, serving nearly 10 million people in parts of seven southeastern states. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.