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How coal plants make electricity

How Coal Plants Make Electricity

Demand for electricity grew quickly in the 1940s and 1950s — so fast that TVA's dams couldn't keep up with how much power people wanted. TVA turned to fossil plants.

These power plants use coal — a fossil fuel. They can run around the clock and generate steady electricity. For decades, coal was the backbone of the TVA energy system.

Today, TVA has four coal plants.

Together, they produce about 19% of the electricity needed to keep the Valley region powered.

Coal plants can operate for a long time without needing to stop. One of the units at Shawnee Fossil Plant in Kentucky operated without stopping for more than 1,093 days — almost three years!

How Does a Fossil Plant Work?

Coal is burned to heat water. The water turns into steam in the boiler. The steam is under a lot of pressure as it flows into a turbine. The turbine spins a generator to make electricity.

Coal Use and the Environment

Burning coal can generate a lot of electricity, and TVA has taken steps to reduce the impact of coal plants on the air, water and land:

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Installing “scrubbers” on the coal stacks. This technology removes gases — called emissions — and tiny pieces of material — called particulate matter.

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Finding new ways to store coal ash — what's left over after the coal is burned.

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Recycling coal ash to make concrete, dry wall, roofing shingles and more.

The Future of Coal

Coal has been an important part of TVA's electricity generation for a long time. Some plants have closed over the years because of changes in technology and environmental rules and the increasing cost of running the plants.

TVA is always looking new ways to provide electricity for the Valley region.

For example, TVA and its partners are working on fusion energy technology at the closed Bull Run Fossil Plant near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. And, at Shawnee in Kentucky, a 100-megawatt solar generation project wil power the community.

Glossary

Fossil Plant — A power plant that uses coal to make electricity.

Coal — A black rock that can be burned to create heat and energy.

Turbine — A machine that spins when steam or water pushes it, helping to make electricity.

Generator — A machine that turns motion into electricity.

Steam — Hot water vapor that can be used to power machines.

Pollution — Dirty or harmful materials placed in the air, water, or land.

Scrubber — A device installed on coal stacks that help protect the air.

Coal Ash — The powdery material left over after coal is burned.

Coal Plants

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