Overview
Cumberland (TN) is a 2,600 MW coal power plant operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority in Tennessee, USA. It is a major baseload facility in the region's power grid.
Cumberland (TN) is a coal-fired power plant located in Tennessee, United States, and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). With a capacity of 2,600 MW, it is one of the larger coal plants in the country, providing substantial baseload power to the Tennessee Valley region. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). As a coal-fired facility, it is subject to stringent emissions limits for sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. Cumberland plays a critical role in TVA's generation mix, supplying electricity to millions of customers across the Tennessee Valley. Its environmental impact is significant due to coal combustion, but it operates under comprehensive federal and state regulations aimed at minimizing air and water pollution. The plant's location in a rural area of Tennessee reduces direct exposure to dense populations, though regional air quality considerations remain relevant.
Environmental context
Cumberland (TN) is a coal-fired power plant with a capacity of 2,600 MW, resulting in substantial CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions. Its location in a rural area of Tennessee reduces immediate population exposure, but the plant contributes to regional air quality concerns. The facility operates under EPA regulations including the Clean Air Act, Acid Rain Program, and CSAPR, which mandate emissions controls and reductions. The plant's age and technology (likely subcritical) influence its efficiency and environmental footprint.
Frequently asked questions
Cumberland (TN) is located in Tennessee, United States, near the coordinates 36.3903° N, 87.6539° W. It is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Cumberland (TN) has a capacity of 2,600 megawatts (MW), making it one of the larger coal-fired power plants in the United States.
The Cumberland (TN) power plant is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned electric utility company.
Coal power plants in the U.S. must comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA), including the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which regulate SO2, NOx, and other emissions.
The primary fuel used at Cumberland (TN) is coal, which is typical for large baseload power generation in the region.