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Wilson dam

Hydroelectric

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TVA hydroelectric facilities

Dams and pumped-storage plants across the Tennessee Valley watershed. Click a marker for details.

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  • Hydropower
  • Non-power

Hydroelectric power is the cleanest, most reliable, most efficient, and most economical of all renewable energy sources. And thanks to the Tennessee River system, we have plenty of it in our region. It supports our mission of providing clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to the people and businesses of the Tennessee Valley.

TVA's hydroelectric system comprises:

  • 29 power-generating dams throughout the Tennessee River system, some of which date back to the TVA’s early days in the 1930s
  • A pumped-storage plant near Chattanooga called Raccoon Mountain
  • Purchased power from eight dams on the Cumberland River operated by the Army Corps of Engineers

TVA checks its dams on a regular schedule to keep them safe. Workers look them over every month, take a closer look about once a year, and do very careful investigations every five years or after anything major happens. Every 10 years, TVA does an even deeper check to make sure everything is strong and working the way it should.

TVA has a program to extend the life of the hydroelectric units. The program upgrades the major components inside its dams so they can keep making energy for many years. TVA works on about three units each year, and each upgrade takes about four years to fully finish. So far, TVA has upgraded about 15 of the 30 hydroelectric dams.

TVA is considering building a Pumped Storage Hydro plant in North Alabama. It would be similar to what you see at Raccoon Mountain. No decision has been made at this time.

River Forecast Center

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These dams are located on the Tennessee Rivers system, which includes a number of feeder rivers, including the Holston, the Clinch, the Ocoee, the Little Tennessee, the Hiwassee, the Elk, the Duck, the Nolichucky, the Nottely, the Nantahala, the French Broad, the Pigeon, the Cheoah, the Powell and the Cumberland among others.

The hydroelectric dams and their reservoirs provide additional benefits to our region, including flood control, river navigation, and popular recreational opportunities—all while minimizing effects on our environment.  Learn more about how hydroelectric power works.

The pumped storage plant at Raccoon Mountain is a prime example of the recreation opportunities and minimal environmental impact of hydroelectric power. It produces 1,650 megawatts of power, and yet the water and surrounding woods are tranquil enough to be designated a state wildlife observation area that’s home to whitetail deer, woodchucks, gray foxes, bald eagles, and raccoons.

Visitor Centers

Looking for free family fun? Visit TVA’s visitor centers to explore hydroelectric dams, learn TVA history, enjoy scenic trails and discover recreation across the Tennessee Valley.

Located across our seven-state region, TVA visitor centers offer free, family-friendly experiences with educational exhibits, beautiful views and outdoor activities for all ages.

Explore TVA Visitor Centers

Celebrate TVA Dams

The Unified Development of the Tennessee River plan stressed TVA was to provide flood control, navigation and electricity for the region. TVA’s dams are tangible evidence of its primary mission: improving life in the Tennessee Valley. We’re celebrating the plan with an in-depth look at 32 of the dams it comprises.

Built for the People

Steer Clear of Dam Dangers

Dams can release a large amount of water with little warning at any time and by any means. For example, when the demand for electricity is high, the turbines at a dam activate, resulting in a significant increase in water downstream in a matter of seconds. 

Learn how TVA communicates dam dangers to you.

Virtual Tours Inside Our Dams!

Go behind the scenes to see how some of our most celebrated dams work and discover the unexpected beauty deep within.

Kentucky Dam
Take a virtual tour of TVA's longest dam—a muscular powerhouse that connects the Tennessee River to the National Inland Waterway.

Fontana Dam
TVA's tallest dam was built in a hurry to help power the industries that would help win WWII. Read and watch for more.

Guntersville Dam
This southernmost dam in the TVA system is a hidden art deco gem. Take a virtual tour.

Norris Dam
TVA's very first dam, constructed in 1933. Take a virtual tour.

Raccoon Mountain Pumped-Storage Plant
In TVA’s largest hydroelectric facility, water is pumped to the reservoir on top of the mountain and then used to generate electricity when additional power is needed. Take a virtual tour.

Wilson Dam
Built for WWI, but the war ended before it could spin up its turbines. The dam gained new purpose with the founding of TVA. Take a virtual tour.

TVA Dam Safety

For TVA, dam safety is a leading priority 24/7/365.  Read more about what we’re doing every day to continuously monitor and improve the 49 dams in the Tennessee River system, as well as what you can do to stay safe near dams.