TVA to Safely Implode Cooling Tower at Hartsville

Sep 16, 2025

Contact: Scott Brooks

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Valley Authority will use controlled demolition to safely implode the 540’ hyperbolic cooling tower at the Hartsville site in Trousdale County, Tennessee on the morning of Thursday, September 18 around sunrise.

Safety remains our top priority. The implosion will be executed by expert demolition contractors in coordination with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure a safe operation and minimum disruption to the community.

We want the public to be aware that the implosion will cause a short burst of loud noise.

To maintain a safe perimeter, there will be no public access on TVA property to view the implosion, including drones or any form of aircraft. Temporary roadblocks will be in place that morning on non-public roads and will be removed following the activity. TVA will post video of the implosion on our social media channels shortly after the event.

TVA has prioritized removal of the structure as part of its broader effort to remove obsolete infrastructure, improve public safety and prepare sites for future redevelopment opportunities.

About TVA

The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to more than 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA has one of the most diverse energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, coal, gas, solar and advanced technologies. TVA is making significant investments in its power system toward new generation and transmission. 

TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. TVA maintains some of the lowest energy costs and highest reliability in the nation. TVA’s residential rates are lower than those paid by 80% of customers of the top 100 U.S. utilities, and its industrial rates are lower than those paid by over 90% of customers of the top 100 U.S. utilities. In addition, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation. Learn more at tva.com.

Contact

Scott Brooks
Public Relations
[email protected]
865-632-7453

TVA Media Line

Our media staff is available 24 hours a day. If you cannot reach the contact above, please call our media line at 865-632-6000.