TVA to Build Innovative Power Storage Plant in Mississippi
October 15 , 2001
COLUMBUS, Miss. — TVA today officially launched construction of the nation’s first large-scale, battery-like power storage facility that will store electricity during off-peak periods and retrieve it for use when the need for power increases.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in Columbus, where TVA is planning to introduce the new technology in the United States on a site near Columbus Air Force Base. The energy storage project will cost in excess of $25 million and is expected to begin operation in 2003.
“This innovative energy storage plant is designed to improve power reliability and customer service, have limited environmental impact, and contribute to economic growth for consumers in Mississippi and throughout the Tennessee Valley,” said TVA Chairman Glenn McCullough, Jr. “TVA continues to set the pace for energy production and demonstrate its role as a national leader in the use of cutting-edge, 21st century technologies.”
Using technology developed by Regenesys Technologies Limited, the plant is designed to store up to 120 megawatt-hours of energy and provide power for 10 hours or more to some 7,500 homes. During periods of low demand for electricity, the plant will be “charged” by a chemical process using power generated at other plants. The process reverses itself to transmit the stored energy when demand for power rises.
“This project will generate value for our customers by reducing the need for high-cost generation during times of peak use,” said TVA Director Skila Harris. “It also helps us make more efficient use of available resources, demonstrating TVA’s commitment to excellence in business performance and public service.”
Regenesys Technologies Ltd. of the United Kingdom designed the new plant and developed the energy-storage technology. It has been tested in South Wales, and the company has already begun construction of a commercial-scale plant in Cambridgershire, England, to be completed in 2002.
“This will be the first use of the Regenesys technology in the United States,” said Regenesys Technologies Chief Executive Officer Andrew Duff. “It will be a further demonstration of the benefits that the Regenesys energy storage system can bring to the operation of large power networks.”
The entire plant requires about two acres, and will be about the size of a four-story building. The site is located off Highway 373 east of the Air Force base on property acquired by TVA. About 60 jobs will be created during construction, which will last about two years.
TVA’s Public Power Institute has been working with Regenesys Technologies to introduce the new power storage system to the electric power industry in the United States to help meet the growing demand for electricity.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power producer, and its power system is self-financed. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve 8.3 million consumers in seven southeastern states.
Media Contact:
Tim Meeks, Muscle Shoals (256-386-2903) or Media Relations, Knoxville (865-632-6000)
