Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant in Athens, Ala., the Tennessee Valley Authority’s largest electricity generating asset, is celebrating 50 years of service this month.
The United States’ third largest nuclear power producer had the first units in the world capable of producing 1,000 megawatts of power in 1974, according to a release. Now, the plant generates up to 3,954 MW of carbon-free baseload energy to power more than 2 million homes and businesses in Tennessee Valley, according to a release.
“We believe nuclear energy will play a critical role in our region and nation’s energy future,” TVA President and CEO Jeff Lyash said. “Optimizing and extending the life of facilities like Browns Ferry will ensure that we continue to deliver affordable, reliable and clean energy for decades to come.”
The plant near Athens and Decatur has about 1,500 employees.
Browns Ferry recently applied for a Nuclear Regulatory Commission license renewal, which would allow three units to continue operations for 20 years past the current license expiration.
“As we experience growth in the Valley, our customers depend on our ability to meet demand and we are continuing to invest heavily in the plant’s assets to meet this commitment,” Browns Ferry Vice President Daniel Komm said.
The use of nuclear energy in Alabama dipped about a decade ago but has seen significant increases in recent years, according to recent reporting in the New York Times. Nearly 24% of the state’s electricity was nuclear in 2002, the newspaper said. In 2023, it was 32%. Natural gas provided 44% of the state’s electricity; coal provided 14%.
Created 90 years ago, the Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states.