The Tennessee Valley Authority, in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Public Power Association, announced Monday it is awarding 10 megawatts of carbon-free, solar capacity to seven local power companies who applied through TVA’s Distributed Solar Solutions pilot program. Once completed, these projects will generate enough solar energy to power more than 900 average homes.
“DSS is an important TVA solar program because it brings key stakeholders together to generate clean energy in a thoughtful and collaborative manner that best serves the 9 million people of the Valley,” said Tammy Bramlett, TVA’s director of Business Development and Renewables.
DSS is a pilot program that encourages local power companies and solar developers to work together to create renewable energy projects at the community level.
“TVPPA and TVA worked closely to develop and roll-out this year’s DSS program,” said Danette Scudder, vice president of TVPPA. “From drafting guidelines to evaluating and ultimately selecting projects for capacity, we worked collaboratively to maximize learning opportunities for LPCs as they strive to meet the growing renewable demand of their end-use customers.”
TVA announced the available capacity through the DSS pilot program in January. Applications were submitted for solar projects that ranged from 50 kilowatts to two megawatts. The selection committee reviewed 13 proposals before selecting these projects to receive capacity:
• North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation
• Volunteer Energy Cooperative
• Memphis Light Gas & Water
• Electric Power Board of Chattanooga
• Tullahoma Utilities Authority
• Jackson Energy Authority
• Nashville Electric Service
“We are pleased to see the strong DSS interest because it allows TVA to partner directly with LPCs and developers to bring renewable energy to the Valley,” said Ms. Bramlett. “TVA remains committed to providing clean, efficient renewable energy to reduce our carbon footprint and help protect the environment.”
TVA has contracted or installed around 400 megawatts of solar capacity in its generation portfolio, and currently has more than 1,200 megawatts of wind and over 50 megawatts of biomass. TVA’s private renewable program, offered through participating local power companies, has resulted in over 100 megawatts of renewable capacity, with more than 3,000 systems operating across the region, officials said.