Tennessee Valley Authority
TVA aims to be one of the nation's leading providers of low-cost, cleaner energy by 2020. In line with that vision, TVA is significantly increasing its use of renewable and clean-energy generation sources to improve regional air quality.
TVA defines renewable energy as generation that is sustainable and is generally replenished naturally. In 2010, TVA produced renewable energy from conventional hydro, wind, solar, methane and biomass co-firing sources. The agency also purchases renewable energy for distribution to its customers and conducts research into clean and renewable sources.
Renewable Energy Programs at TVA
Green Power Switch
Allows consumers to support the production of renewable energy by buying “blocks” of energy produced by solar, wind and methane recovery sources.
Renewable Standard Offer
Promotes the development of larger-size renewable systems between 50 kilowatts and 20 megawatts in the TVA service area. Eligible systems include solar, wind, biomass (direct combustion or gasification) and methane recovery.
Solar Solutions Initiative is a pilot incentive for solar projects in the Valley (>50 kW up to 1 MW DC) that use solar panels manufactured and installed by companies in the Valley.
Green Power Providers
Encourages homes and businesses to produce renewable energy by providing technical support and incentives. The sources may be solar, wind, biomass or small-scale hydropower. The program is for systems with a generating capacity between 500 watts and 50 kilowatts.
Wind Energy Contracts
Besides producing wind energy at its Buffalo Mountain site, TVA buys renewable energy from various midwestern wind farms. Read about TVA's wind purchases.
Research
TVA is a leader in clean and renewable energy research. Read about projects that address such issues as cost and sustainability in the areas of solar, wind, biomass, and other technologies.
Hydropower
Hydroelectric power is the nation’s most reliable, efficient and economical renewable power source. TVA’s hydropower facilities include 29 conventional hydro plants and one pumped-storage plant.