Tennessee Valley Authority Adding Up to 14 GW of Solar Generation by 2038

The Tennessee Valley Authority released its final Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and associated Environmental Impact Statement on Friday that evaluates options to meet the region’s power generation needs over the next 20 years, including adding up to 14 gigawatts of solar generation by 2038.

Under development since February 2018, TVA’s IRP is a power planning roadmap that examines a variety of economic, regulatory and market-driven scenarios and strategies – both within and outside TVA’s control – to help TVA respond to changing energy demands while continuing to provide reliable power at the lowest possible cost.

TVA is updating its 2015 IRP due to continuing dramatic changes in the utility industry. Such changes include abundant, lower-cost natural gas, decreased cost of renewable generation, and increased focus on energy conservation efforts.

IRP study results show:

• There is a need for new capacity in all scenarios to replace expiring or retiring capacity.
• Solar expansion plays a substantial role in all futures.
• Gas, storage and demand response additions provide reliability and/or flexibility.
• No baseload resources (designed to operate around the clock) are added, highlighting the need for operational flexibility in the resource portfolio.
• Additional coal retirements occur in certain futures.
• Energy efficiency levels depend on market depth and cost-competitiveness.
• Wind could play a role if it becomes cost-competitive.
• In all cases, TVA will continue to provide for economic growth in the Tennessee Valley.

TVA hosted public meetings throughout the process in three states and seven locations including Memphis, Knoxville, Huntsville and Bowling Green. Public engagement also included webinars, social media and online resources.

The Tennessee Valley Authority is a corporate agency of the United States that provides electricity for business customers and local power companies serving nearly 10 million people in parts of seven southeastern states. TVA receives no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity.