Overview
Fort Loudoun is a 153.3 MW hydroelectric power plant operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority in Tennessee, USA. It provides renewable energy to the regional grid.
Fort Loudoun is a hydroelectric power plant located in Tennessee, United States, and operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). With a capacity of 153.3 MW, it is a medium-scale facility within the hydroelectric sector, contributing to the region's renewable energy portfolio. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and complies with environmental standards such as the Clean Water Act. Hydroelectric plants like Fort Loudoun utilize the flow of water to generate electricity, with typical technology including turbines and generators housed in a dam or run-of-river configuration. As a TVA facility, Fort Loudoun plays a key role in the Tennessee Valley's power grid, providing clean, renewable energy to homes and businesses. Its operation supports regional energy reliability and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions in the area.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants, but can affect local aquatic ecosystems through changes in water flow and fish passage. Fort Loudoun's location on the Tennessee River may influence downstream water quality and habitat. The plant's operation is subject to environmental regulations that aim to minimize ecological impacts while providing renewable energy.
Frequently asked questions
Fort Loudoun is located in Tennessee, United States, on the Tennessee River. Its coordinates are 35.791700 N, -84.243100 W.
Fort Loudoun has a generating capacity of 153.3 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale hydroelectric facility.
Fort Loudoun is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned corporation that provides electricity to the Tennessee Valley region.
Hydroelectric plants in the USA must comply with the Clean Water Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and FERC licensing requirements, which include measures for fish passage and water quality.
Hydroelectric power is a low-carbon energy source, but it can alter river ecosystems, affect fish migration, and change water flow patterns. Proper siting and mitigation measures help reduce these impacts.