Overview
Boone Dam is a 105.9 MW hydroelectric power plant operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the United States. It provides renewable energy to the Tennessee Valley region.
Boone Dam is a hydroelectric power plant located in the United States, with a generating capacity of 105.9 megawatts. The facility is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned corporation that provides electricity to parts of seven southeastern states. As a hydroelectric plant, it harnesses the flow of water to generate clean, renewable energy. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act and relevant water quality standards. Hydroelectric power is considered a low-emission energy source, and Boone Dam contributes to TVA's diverse energy mix, which includes nuclear, coal, natural gas, and renewables. The facility's capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale range for hydroelectric plants in the US. Boone Dam plays a key role in the regional power grid, providing reliable baseload and peaking power. Its operation supports the local economy and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. The dam also provides flood control and recreational opportunities in the area.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation at Boone Dam produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, making it a clean energy source. The facility's operation is subject to federal regulations under the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, which govern water flow, fish passage, and ecosystem impacts. The plant's location in the Appalachian region supports local biodiversity and water quality management.
Frequently asked questions
Boone Dam is located in the United States, on the South Fork Holston River in Tennessee, near the border with Virginia. It is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Boone Dam has a generating capacity of 105.9 megawatts, making it a small-to-medium scale hydroelectric facility.
Boone Dam is owned and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federal agency that provides electricity to the Tennessee Valley region.
Hydroelectric plants in the US must comply with the Clean Water Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Federal Power Act. These regulations address water quality, fish passage, and environmental impact assessments.
Boone Dam provides renewable, low-emission electricity to the TVA grid, supporting both baseload and peaking power needs. It also offers flood control and recreational benefits.