Air Quality

Through the power distributors of the TVA region, TVA provides some 9 million consumers with reliable electric power at an affordable price. This massive public power system, the largest in the nation, provides a service that operates for the public good rather than the need to generate profits.

Public service also means public responsibility, and power generation across an 80,000-square-mile service area cannot help affecting the environment. More than half of TVA’s power is generated by the burning of fossil fuels, and this process inevitably releases chemical emissions into the atmosphere.

Plant modifications

TVA has an aggressive emission control program to reduce air emissions. By 2010, it will have spent about $5.3 billion on clean air modifications to its plants.

• TVA has installed various emission controls on all 59 coal-fired units, including scrubbers on 17 of its units to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions and selective catalytic reduction technology on 21 units to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Learn more.
• Since regulation began, TVA has reduced sulfur dioxide emissions by 91 percent and annual nitrogen oxide emissions by 89 percent.
• The record low 2009 emissions are due in part to the economic recession and reduced fossil generation.

For further details about TVA’s clean air modifications and a graph showing emission reduction achievements, see the sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides pages. Also see the menus at right for added information on emission controls and what TVA is doing at each of its fossil sites.

Clean Air Program

TVA invests in state-of-the-art technology to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from its coal-fired plants. Watch a video to learn more about how this equipment helps clean the air and reduce the impact of TVA’s operations on the environment.

Air quality standards

Check here for information on the federal environmental standards that affect TVA’s power generation.

Scientific papers

TVA carries out many research projects related to air quality and other environmental issues. See a bibliography of scientific papers.

 

 

Emissions Data

For data on emissions at each of TVA’s fossil plants, choose from the menu below. Fossil Plants Allen Bull Run Colbert Cumberland Gallatin John Sevier Johnsonville Kingston Paradise Shawnee Widows Creek Other TVA Sites

 

General Information

For general information on individual emissions choose from the menu below. Emissions Carbon Dioxide Nitrogen Oxides Ozone Particulates Sulfur Dioxide TRI