The Tennessee Valley Authority announced that the first combined cycle natural gas-fueled power plant in the state of Tennessee is officially operating. The Lagoon Creek Combined Cycle Plant, near Brownsville, Tn., began commercial operation with a generating capacity of 550 megawatts.
Combined cycle plants use combustion turbines, similar to jet engines, to produce electricity. Heat from the turbines’ exhaust is then captured to heat water and produce steam that is sent to a steam turbine that generates additional power.
Using the excess heat from the engines reduces the fuel use, and therefore, reduces emissions.
“The Lagoon Creek Combined Cycle plant supports TVA’s vision of leading the nation toward a cleaner energy future,” said Bob Deacy, senior vice president of Fossil Generation, Development and Construction, the organization within TVA responsible for the construction project. “The site uses natural gas as a low-carbon fuel source and includes additional equipment to further reduce emissions.”
The plant is the first new power generation source constructed by TVA since 2002, when the Kemper Combustion Turbine site was completed. TVA has two other combined cycle plants, Caledonia and Southaven, both located in Mississippi.
“Lagoon Creek Combined Cycle Plant has already proven to be a reliable source of power by adding electricity to the TVA system during the testing phase,” said Robert Fisher, senior vice president of TVA’s Fossil Power Group. “This plant, along with the simple cycle combustion turbines already operating at the site, will further provide the needed power during days of high electricity demand.”
A staff of about 30 TVA employees will manage the plant.