Overview
Clarksville Primary Substation is an operational electrical substation in Tennessee, United States, owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) with a voltage of 161 kV.
Clarksville Primary Substation is an operational electrical substation located in Tennessee, United States. It is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a major federal power utility. The substation operates at a voltage of 161 kV, placing it in the high-voltage transmission category, which is critical for regional grid stability. The substation falls under the regulatory oversight of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which enforce reliability standards for the bulk power system. TVA's transmission network is subject to NERC's Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards, ensuring cybersecurity and physical security for assets like this substation. The 161 kV voltage level is typical for sub-transmission or transmission applications, serving as a key node in the regional power grid. As part of TVA's extensive transmission system, Clarksville Primary Substation plays a vital role in delivering electricity to the Clarksville area and surrounding communities. Its operational status ensures continued reliability for residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The substation's location in Tennessee, a state with a diverse energy mix including hydroelectric, nuclear, and natural gas, underscores its importance in integrating various generation sources into the grid.
Environmental context
The substation is located in a region with a temperate climate, where seasonal temperature variations can affect electricity demand. Its urban setting in Clarksville means it supports a mix of residential and industrial loads. The 161 kV voltage level indicates it is part of the transmission network, which has a lower environmental footprint per unit of electricity transmitted compared to lower voltage distribution lines. TVA's commitment to environmental stewardship includes vegetation management around substations to maintain reliability while minimizing ecological impact.
Frequently asked questions
Clarksville Primary Substation is located in Tennessee, United States, near the city of Clarksville. Its coordinates are approximately 36.5335° N, -87.3365° W.
Clarksville Primary Substation operates at a voltage of 161 kV, which is a common voltage for high-voltage transmission substations in the United States.
The substation is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned electric utility corporation that serves the Tennessee Valley region.
As part of the US bulk power system, the substation must comply with NERC reliability standards and FERC regulations. TVA also follows TVA-specific reliability and security protocols.
A 161 kV substation typically serves as a transmission or sub-transmission node, stepping down voltage for distribution or interconnecting generation sources. It is critical for maintaining grid stability and delivering electricity to load centers.