Overview
Paradise is a 2,310 MW gas-fired power plant in Kentucky, USA, operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. It provides baseload and peaking power to the Tennessee Valley region.
Paradise is a gas-fired power plant located in Kentucky, United States, with a generating capacity of 2,310 MW. Owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), it is one of the larger gas power plants in the region, playing a key role in meeting electricity demand. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act and associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). As a gas-fired facility, it benefits from lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to coal plants, though it still contributes to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The plant's technology is typical for modern gas plants, likely using combined-cycle or simple-cycle turbines. Paradise serves the Tennessee Valley region, providing reliable power to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Its location in Kentucky places it within a network of TVA generation assets, supporting grid stability and economic activity. The plant's operational status and capacity underscore its importance in the regional energy mix.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired operation results in lower SO2 and NOx emissions compared to coal, but it still emits CO2. Its location in rural Kentucky reduces direct exposure to densely populated areas, though regional air quality is subject to EPA NAAQS standards. The plant's age and technology (likely combined-cycle) influence its efficiency and environmental footprint.
Frequently asked questions
Paradise is located in Kentucky, United States, near the Green River and approximately 10 miles north of Central City.
Paradise has a generating capacity of 2,310 megawatts (MW), making it one of the larger gas-fired power plants in the TVA system.
Paradise is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned electric utility company serving the Tennessee Valley region.
Gas power plants like Paradise must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS for criteria pollutants, the Acid Rain Program for SO2, and CSAPR for NOx. They also face CO2 reporting requirements under EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program.
Paradise provides baseload and peaking power to the TVA grid, supporting electricity reliability for millions of customers in Tennessee, Kentucky, and surrounding states.