Overview
Fort Patrick Henry is a 59.4 MW hydroelectric power plant operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the United States. It provides renewable energy to the Tennessee Valley region.
Fort Patrick Henry is a hydroelectric power plant located in the United States, operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). With a capacity of 59.4 MW, it is a small- to 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 must comply with environmental standards set by the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Hydroelectric plants like Fort Patrick Henry typically use run-of-river or reservoir-based technology to generate electricity without direct fuel combustion. As a TVA facility, Fort Patrick Henry supports grid stability and provides clean energy to communities in the Tennessee Valley. Its operation avoids CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions associated with fossil fuel plants, contributing to regional air quality and climate goals.
Environmental context
The plant's hydroelectric operation produces no direct air emissions, making it a low-carbon energy source. Its location near the South Fork Holston River influences local aquatic ecosystems, requiring careful water management to maintain downstream flow and fish habitats. The facility's age and technology (likely conventional turbine) are typical for TVA's hydro fleet.
Frequently asked questions
Fort Patrick Henry is located in the United States, on the South Fork Holston River near Kingsport, Tennessee. It is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Fort Patrick Henry has a generating capacity of 59.4 megawatts (MW), making it a small- to medium-scale hydroelectric facility.
Fort Patrick Henry is operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a federally owned corporation 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 (NEPA), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing requirements, which include environmental impact assessments and fish passage measures.
As a hydroelectric plant, Fort Patrick Henry generates electricity without burning fossil fuels, avoiding CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions. It provides clean, renewable energy to the TVA grid, supporting regional sustainability goals.