Fed Utility Wet Coal Plant Switches Alternatives, Climate Impact
Nashville, Tenn. (AP) — The nation’s largest public utility plans to shut down a massive coal-fired power plant but wants to replace it with natural gas. It would put the federal Tennessee Valley Authority out of step with the goal of President Joe Biden’s administration of a carbon-pollution-free energy sector by 2035.
Utility officials argue that the move to natural gas will help pave the way for more renewable sources and a move away from coal, while keeping rates down and keeping the electric grid reliable. But environmental groups warn that the agency may miss its chance to move away from the carbon-producing fossil fuels fueling climate change.
The impending decision for the Cumberland Fossil Plant in Tennessee was a focal point at the Tennessee Valley Authority’s board meeting on Wednesday, where CEO Jeff Lysch argued that the agency was attempting to strike a balance. TVA has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2035 compared to 2005 levels.
Meanwhile, scientists warn that failing to meet Biden’s 2035 goal will only lead to more intense and more frequent extreme weather events, as well as droughts, floods and wildfires. Teams of meteorologists around the world have predicted there is about a 50-50 chance that Earth will temporarily hit the global warming temperature threshold international agreements are trying to stop within the next five years.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Laysh argued that electricity use could double by 2050, due to a shift to electric-based technology aimed at carbon emissions, including more electric vehicles – a technology that has been promoted by independent federal governments. Utility has focused on in recent years.
TVA is leading the plan for proposed charging sites across its region and has set a target of 200,000 electric vehicles in its region by 2028. It is transitioning extensively to electricity for its own workforce fleet and is working closely on economic recruitment efforts. This prompted Ford to choose Tennessee for its electric truck facility in a package deal, as well as bring a partner company’s battery plant.
Layash has stated that TVA would not be able to meet the 100% reduction target without technological advances in energy storage, carbon capture and small modular nuclear reactors, instead aiming for 80%. The utility has its own aspirational target of net zero emissions by 2050.
“That’s what we know we can execute and deliver without increasing prices and impacting reliability,” Lyash said during the meeting at Young Harris College in Georgia. “This does not change our aspiration to achieve net zero and move fast. But we have to be transparent and honest: and moving fast will be the research, development and deployment of technologies that we have at a commercially competitive price. But it is not.”
Environmental advocates say the switch to gas at the Cumberland plant—one of five coal plants remaining in TVA’s power system that ranges from nuclear to hydroelectric power generation—will leave it producing climate-warming greenhouse gases for decades.
“To fight climate change and better serve its 10 million customers, TVA should scrap its gas plans and instead use this opportunity to become a national leader in the clean energy transition by investing in renewable energy options.” What we need — such as solar power, wind power, and battery storage — is something that is cheap, effective, and available now,” said Eric Hilt of the Southern Environmental Law Center, who noted that the prices of those renewable sources are falling.
TVA officials have said that their preferred option would be the natural gas based in Cumberland. Another option in their proposal focuses on solar power with storage. In-person open houses are scheduled for May 17 and 18 to discuss options, as the agency considers a final decision in the coming months.
The utility already has plans to add 10,000 MW of solar power to its system by 2035. He has worked on projects with several major industrial clients who want their operations to be tied to renewable energy.
Layash said supply chain issues have helped create the shocks of late. Layash said there have been delays of up to a year for some TVA projects due to solar panel availability issues.
TVA powers parts of Tennessee and six surrounding states by providing electricity to local power companies serving 10 million people.
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