Despite cost overruns and delays in its nuclear power program, TVA finished a natural gas power plant this week a month ahead of schedule and $30 million under budget.
The $790 million John Sevier Combined Cycle Gas Plant, which began generating commercial power Monday, will replace part of TVA’s nearby coal plant near Rogersville, Tenn. The 880-megawatt plant is the fifth combined cycle gas plant TVA has bought or built in the past five years and will produce enough power for about 500,000 homes.
The gas-fired plant will replace two of the four units at the nearby John Sevier Fossil Plant, which are being shut down at the end of the year to help TVA meet federal pollution controls.
“The John Sevier Combined Cycle Plant is a testament to TVA’s commitment to provide cleaner, lower-cost generation,” Bob Deacy, senior vice president of TVA’s generation construction, said in a statement Tuesday.
Environmental activists wary about TVA’s coal and nuclear plants praised the switch to natural gas.