Allen Aeroderivative Combustion Turbine Project

Shelby County, Tennessee

Updated April 29, 2025

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) addressing the proposed construction and operation of six natural gas-fired aeroderivative combustion turbines (Aero CTs) at the existing Allen Combustion Turbine site located in Memphis, Tennessee.

The new Aero CTs could generate approximately 200 megawatts of power – enough to power up to 117,000 homes. The proposal would provide new, dispatchable generation to support the continued system load growth experienced over the past few years and increase the flexibility and reliability of TVA’s power system by improving transmission stability in western Tennessee. These improvements would help TVA to expand and integrate renewable energy resources onto its transmission grid, which would allow TVA to advance its decarbonization goals.

Aero CTs are highly efficient peaking units that can quickly achieve full generating capacity. They are also extremely flexible with synchronous condenser capabilities that could greatly improve grid resiliency. In addition, several of the units would have black start capabilities, which would improve system reliability by supporting system restoration in the event of a blackout. 

The draft EIS was released for public review and comment in March 2025. TVA plans to issue a final EIS and Record of Decision in Summer 2025.  If approved, commercial operation may begin in 2026 or 2027.   

Public Involvement

During the public review period for the draft EIS, TVA provided opportunities for public participation.  To provide information about the Draft EIS and gather public input, TVA hosted a public open house meeting on April 10, 2025, at the Mount Pisgah Baptist Church Family Life Center in Memphis. TVA also hosted a public webinar on April 17, 2025.  A recording of the public webinar can be viewed by clicking the link below:

Draft EIS Public Virtual Meeting Recording (4/17/2025)

The project was initiated in October 2023, when TVA issued a Notice of Intent and requested public comments on the scope of the review, alternatives to be considered, and environmental issues that should be addressed. In late October 2023, TVA hosted an in-person public open house in Memphis to provide information about the project and gather public input. TVA also hosted a public webinar in November 2023, a recording of which can be viewed by clicking the link below:

Public Scoping Virtual Meeting Recording (11/2/2023)

TVA issued a Scoping Report in December 2024 that summarizes the input received during the public scoping period.