A New Generation for a Time-Honored Hydro Plant

Wilson Dam Celebrates Centennial

When nearly 18,000 workers began constructing Wilson Dam in 1918, they shared a common goal: help the United States win World War I by powering two plants producing nitrates for explosives. They also wanted to tame Alabama’s Muscle Shoals for improved navigation.

The 137-foot-high dam stretching 4,541 feet across the Tennessee River in north Alabama was built for the people by the people.

Now 100 years later, Wilson Dam – a National Historic Landmark – is still providing a critical mission, producing 663 megawatts that power more than 380,000 homes and businesses, as well as providing flood control, navigation, water supply and recreation.

“Wilson Dam is more than concrete and turbines – it represents innovation, perseverance and community,” said Tabatha Lolley, Wilson Dam plant manager.

TVA acquired Wilson Dam in 1933, after the facility was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. World War I ended before the dam began commercial operation.

Over the years, TVA has continued to invest in the facility. Thirteen generating units were added to the original eight, increasing the generation output of the dam. In the 1960s, the original operating units were modernized. Thanks to the rebuilt units, the dam had the highest production capacity of any hydroelectric facility in the TVA system for many years.

“While Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Plant now generates more hydroelectric power, Wilson Dam is still the largest conventional hydroelectric facility in the TVA system,” Lolley said.

The Unit 3 generator rotor sits on the turbine floor while it's refurbished as part of the Hydro Life Extension project.

Today, TVA is once again improving the efficiency of its generating units.

In May 2022, TVA kicked off a Hydro Life Extension project on Unit 3. A team of 15 talented employees from TVA’s Power Service Shops is currently disassembling the unit and inspecting all the components. As the project progresses, the number of workers will grow as additional craftspeople will be brought on site to complete skilled work.

By the time the project is completed in 2028, this unit will essentially be brand new – with a new turbine, control system, wicket gates and a new or refurbished generator, said Greg Barbee, senior project manager in TVA’s Generation Projects and Fleet Services organization.

“As a result of this modernization, we expect the unit to run another 40 years,” Barbee said.

This work will be repeated on Unit 1, followed by Units 2 and 4. All four units – which are identical – will be more efficient and produce additional megawatts for the people of the Valley region.

“As we celebrate its centennial, we honor the generations who built and supported this historic power plant and remain committed to continuing its long-standing impact of transformation and service to the people of the Tennessee Valley,” Lolley said

Photo Gallery

This view into the Unit 3 wheel pit shows the components that still need to be removed by crews, including the turbine shaft, turbine bearing housing, wicket gate arms, servos and head cover.

Derrick Holt, Hydro Technician III, studies the gauges as he manipulates a lever on the Unit 12 governor cabinet.

Machinist Shaundale Hanback disassembles a motor-operated valve on the turbine floor.