TVA's 2015 Integrated Resource Plan calls for an increase in both solar and wind capacity by adding up to 3,800 megawatts of large-scale solar and up to 1,750 megawatts of wind energy by 2033. This week, TVA announced a formal Request For Information to collect information about the capabilities of various suppliers specific to increasing its renewable energy resources.
Southern Alliance for Clean Energy’s executive director, Dr. Stephen A. Smith, issued this statement in response to this announcement: “SACE applauds TVA's interest in collecting up-to-date information on renewable energy. TVA recently completed its integrated resource plan, a long-term planning analysis, which found a need for up to 2,550 megawatts of near-term renewable energy purchases.
"TVA's request for information on renewable energy will allow wind energy and solar power companies to submit low-cost, domestic clean energy solutions. Recent extensions of crucial federal tax incentives will produce all-time low prices for wind energy and solar power resources. Those tax credits will soon begin to phase out, however, and utilities potentially risk losing billions of dollars in ratepayer savings if they delay renewable energy purchases.
"TVA should move swiftly to procure substantial quantities of renewable energy in order to diversify its energy portfolio and secure low-cost energy for decades to come.”