Wednesday, February 20, 2019

TVA long range plan
The Tennessee Valley Authority is expecting slower growth in power demand but the need for more flexibility in responding to energy demands. A new long-range power plan for the next decade projects slower growth in both the population and electricity demand in the Valley. But it projects that TVA will still have to be able to meet more variable demands as more consumers turn to the sun and wind for some of their power and the marketplace of the region continues to change. Electricity demand is likely to be increased by more electric-charged vehicles but reduced by energy saving and consumer-generated power. "The study indicates the need for a more flexible approach because distributed energy is likely to grow with more consumers installing solar panels or wind generators, but they still will be needing power when the sun doesn't shine or the wind doesn't blow," says TVA spokesman Scott Brooks. The need for a more flexible power grid and system is driving TVA's decision to build a new $300 million power operations system and to phase out two more coal plants. Brooks says coal plants are not as cost efficient or as flexible in responding to changing power demand. According to the Integrated Resource Plan, TVA projects: » Solar expansion plays a substantial role, driven by its attractive energy value beginning in the mid-2020's . » Varying levels of natural gas, battery storage, and demand response are added depending on a strategic focus to ensure reliability and provide flexibility. » No wind or hydro resources are to be added by TVA. » No major nuclear, coal or combined cycle natural gas plants are added. The Sierra Club says increased solar and other renewable resource generation is consistent with a least-cost approach for keeping electricity prices low.


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