Overview
Johnsonville is a 1,426 MW gas-fired power plant operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority in Tennessee, USA. It supplies electricity to the regional grid under EPA Clean Air Act regulations.
Johnsonville is a gas-fired power plant located in Tennessee, United States, with a generating capacity of 1,426 megawatts. It is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a major federal utility serving the Tennessee Valley region. The plant plays a significant role in the regional power generation mix, providing reliable electricity to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. The facility 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 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). As a gas-fired plant, it benefits from lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to coal-fired units, aligning with modern environmental standards. The plant's capacity of 1,426 MW places it in the large-scale category for gas power plants in the United States. Environmentally, Johnsonville's use of natural gas as a primary fuel results in a lower carbon footprint relative to coal, though it still contributes to CO2 emissions. Its location in Tennessee, away from major urban centers, reduces direct population exposure to emissions. The plant supports grid stability and energy security in the region, complementing TVA's diverse generation portfolio that includes nuclear, hydro, and renewable sources.
Environmental context
Johnsonville's gas-fired operation produces lower SOx and NOx emissions compared to coal plants, but still emits CO2. Its location in a rural area of Tennessee minimizes direct impact on densely populated zones. The plant's age and technology (likely combined cycle) influence its efficiency and emission profile. Regulatory compliance with EPA standards ensures controlled pollutant release.
Frequently asked questions
Johnsonville is located in Tennessee, United States, near the Tennessee River. Its coordinates are 36.0278° N, -87.9861° W.
Johnsonville is a gas-fired power plant, using natural gas as its primary fuel to generate electricity.
The Johnsonville power plant is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned utility.
Johnsonville operates under the U.S. Clean Air Act, including NAAQS and CSAPR, which regulate emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants.
With a capacity of 1,426 MW, Johnsonville provides baseload and peaking power to TVA's grid, serving millions of customers in the Tennessee Valley.