Building the Future

TVA is joining an energy industry effort to develop low-carbon energy technologies of the future.

Through an unprecedented partnership with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Gas Technology Institute and other utilities across the country, the EPRI Low-Carbon Resources Initiative will advance clean power and decarbonization technologies for deployment in the 2030 to 2050 timeframe.

“TVA is supplying clean energy today and is building the energy system of the future,” said Dr. Joe Hoagland, vice president for Innovation & Research. “TVA and our EPRI partners are focusing research dollars on technology that will continue to promote a cleaner energy future across the nation for decades to come.”

“As an innovation leader, TVA recognizes the need to rethink the carbon problem through a team approach that obtains results beyond the reach of today’s technology,” Dr. Hoagland continued. “Sharing TVA’s research on technologies, such as advanced nuclear, battery storage, grid modernization and electric vehicles — and learnings from our industry partners — will ensure clear solutions to successfully lower carbon emissions around the world.”

According to Chief Sustainability Officer Rebecca Tolene,  TVA is already on pace to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 70 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. “By collaborating with industry partners in this initiative, we are now looking at what is achievable beyond 2030,” she said.

TVA is already a national leader in carbon reduction in its current operations — double the national utility average. According to the recent  TVA Sustainability Report, TVA reduced carbon output by nearly 60 percent in the past 15 years by boosting power generation from carbon-free nuclear, hydro and solar sources. This year, more than 60 percent of TVA’s electricity is from carbon-free generation.

TVA will be investing $5 million over the next five years to support technology development through this initiative alone.

“Nearly 90 years ago, TVA used modern hydropower — the latest technology of the day — to make life better for the people of our region,” said Dr. Hoagland. “Once again, TVA is on the forefront to lead the technology revolution in the utility industry by developing technologies that will help drive our nation to a cleaner energy future.”