John Sevier Fossil Plant

John Sevier Fossil Plant is on the Holston River near Rogersville, Tennessee. It’s named for John Sevier, the state’s first governor. TVA operates a public campground on the plant site, and excellent fishing is available where warm water from the plant discharges into the Holston River.

Balancing efficient power production with environmental protection

Electricity is produced at John Sevier’s four coal-fired units by the process of heating water in a boiler to produce steam. Under extremely high pressure, the steam flows into a turbine that spins a generator to make electricity. John Sevier generates five billion kilowatt-hours of electricity a year, enough to supply 350,000 homes.

One of John Sevier’s generating units set a continuous-run record in 2004, operating without any interruptions for repairs or maintenance for longer than ever before.

To reduce sulfur dioxide (SO₂ ) emissions from the plant, all four units use a blend of low-sulfur coal. To reduce nitrogen oxide (NO_X ) emissions, all units have low-NO_X burners installed. View more information about emissions at John Sevier and the steps TVA is taking to control them.

By 2010, TVA will have spent about $6 billion on emissions controls at its fossil-fuel plants to ensure that the power supply is generated as cleanly as possible, consistent with efficiency.

Toxics Release Inventory

TVA is required to report annually to the Environmental Protection Agency on the amounts of chemicals released by its fossil-fuel plants. Check here for the latest data on John Sevier.

Emissions Data

TVA monitors other emissions at its fossil plants, including SO₂ , NO_X , CO₂ , and mercury. Check here for the latest data on John Sevier.