Wedoany.com Report-Jun 8, The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has announced plans to expand pumped storage hydropower (PSH) capacity in the southeastern United States. This initiative aims to enhance energy reliability and support regional economic development. As part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, TVA has released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and is inviting public comments until July 14, 2025.

The powerhouse of the Raccoon Mountain pumped storage facility near Chattanooga, Tennessee

The DEIS presents four alternatives for future PSH development within TVA’s service area. The first is a no-action option, which involves maintaining current operations at the existing 1,700MW Raccoon Mountain facility near Chattanooga, Tennessee, without any changes.

TVA’s preferred alternative proposes building a new PSH facility at Rorex Creek, located near Pisgah, Alabama. This plant would have a capacity between 1,200MW and 1,600MW. The third option outlines the potential construction of another new facility at Widows Creek, near Stevenson and Fabius, Alabama, offering similar power output. The fourth alternative would involve expanding the Raccoon Mountain facility by an additional 800MW.

TVA serves over 10 million customers across seven southeastern states and operates a diverse generation portfolio, including nuclear, hydro, solar, and natural gas. The proposed expansion of PSH is aligned with TVA’s strategy to maintain grid stability amid growing energy demand and increased use of intermittent renewable energy sources.

TVA emphasized the importance of public participation and is encouraging stakeholders and residents to review the DEIS, available at tva.com/nepa. Comments can be submitted through email, mail, or the TVA website. All feedback will be documented in the public record and considered in the final decision-making process.

This project is expected to significantly influence the future of energy storage in the region. The new PSH facilities, if approved, will provide flexible and reliable power to support the integration of renewable energy and meet evolving energy requirements.

TVA is evaluating the environmental, technical, and economic impacts of each alternative before determining the most suitable course of action. A final decision will be made following the public comment period and the completion of environmental reviews.

The expansion of pumped storage hydropower represents a critical step in TVA’s long-term energy strategy, helping to ensure consistent electricity supply while advancing clean energy goals in the Southeast.