1. TVA is retiring the 1.3-GW Kingston Fossil Plant in 2027 and replacing it with a 1.5-GW modern complex, including a CCGT plant, aero-derivative turbines, battery storage, and solar generation.
2. The decision to retire Kingston was based on decreased need for full capacity operation, reliability challenges, compliance with environmental rules, and alignment with TVA’s plan to transition to cleaner technologies by 2035.
3. Replacement generation for Kingston will include a natural gas-fired CCGT and other technologies, as part of TVA’s effort to reduce economic, reliability, and environmental risks associated with coal-fired plants.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has announced the retirement of its Kingston Fossil Plant in Tennessee in 2027 to be replaced with a 1.5-GW modern complex featuring a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant, aero-derivative turbines, battery storage, and solar generation. The decision follows a decrease in the need for Kingston to operate at full capacity due to advancements in TVA’s generating fleet and the challenges posed by aging equipment and fuel changes.
TVA highlighted the significant monetary investment required to comply with environmental rules and the operational and reliability risks associated with Kingston’s continued operation beyond 2027. The urgency to replace Kingston’s generation led to the selection of a new gas-fired facility, along with solar and battery storage assets.
The replacement plan aligns with TVA’s Integrated Resource Plan and aims to reduce economic, reliability, and environmental risks related to coal-fired generation. The retirement of coal units at other TVA plants and the addition of new gas-fired and renewable generation further support this effort.
While the decision to retire Kingston’s coal-fired units was difficult, TVA emphasized the need to transition to more reliable, resilient, and cleaner technologies for energy security. The utility has plans in place to support employees affected by the transition, including opportunities for retraining, transfers, or retirement.