Technology Extends Coal Plant Life to Power Region

Coal continues to be an important part of TVA’s power system. A new emissions control system enables continued reliability for Shawnee to power the region’s homes and businesses.

Powering the region’s growing economy requires a strong, diverse energy system – one made of different technologies and fuel sources to ensure that, despite extreme weather and market volatility, TVA can continue to provide uninterrupted electricity to more than 10 million residents across seven states.

Power demand is rising due to population growth, onshoring of manufacturing and AI technology. TVA is investing in its fleet of more than 32,000 megawatts – nuclear, natural gas, hydro, coal, solar, and battery storage technologies – to ensure each unit is running as efficiently as possible and the enterprise is getting every megawatt it can from its diverse mix of generating plants.

Coal Longevity and Reliability

In Paducah, Kentucky, crews at the nine-unit Shawnee Fossil Plant recently completed construction and commissioning of new emission control systems on four units. The selective catalytic reduction system reduces nitrogen oxides, an emission of coal-fired power generation.

This allows Shawnee to increase unit operations across summer peak season, while staying environmentally compliant. A majority of TVA’s coal fleet has environmental protection systems – selective catalytic reduction and SO2 controls, for example – that remove 85% to 95% of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.

“This investment protects the environment while also allowing these units to continue to operate over the next decade,” Chris Bone, senior manager of projects, said. “The new system enables TVA to run the units at full power when needed to meet the increasing need for electricity in our area while also operating within environmental guidelines.”

Over three years and 1.2 million hours worked, these major modifications on units 2, 3, 7 and 8 ensure cleaner air quality while optimizing the generation capabilities at Shawnee.

Of the nine Shawnee units, six currently include SCR emissions controls with two more units approved for additional emissions controls called scrubbers, which reduce sulfur dioxide emissions. The scrubbers for those two units will be operational by 2028.

The Future of Shawnee

TVA’s coal fleet is one of the oldest in the nation. While the enterprise is committed to maintaining its existing generation assets for reliability, it is also planning for the future of continued generation at these sites.

TVA has already started on its innovative Project Phoenix – the world’s first large-scale solar field on a closed coal ash site, which will add up to 100 megawatts to the system. It’s one of many examples of how TVA is adding up to 5,500 megawatts of additional capacity to meet future demand.

TVA is also exploring options for extending the life of coal units at Shawnee Fossil Plant. This includes the potential installation of co-firing capability, which uses a combination of coal and natural gas fuel to generate electricity. This technology provides greater reliability, better air quality and improved market resiliency while extending the life of coal-fired units.

“Coal continues to be a key part of TVA’s diverse energy portfolio,” Bone said. “We will continue to invest in this technology as we build America’s energy future.”