ATHENS, Ala. — Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant, TVA’s largest generating asset and the third-largest nuclear power producer in the United States, reaches an important milestone on Thursday, August 1 – 50 years in service. On August 1, 1974, Browns Ferry Unit 1 began commercial operation. At the time Unit 1 started commercial operation, Browns Ferry’s three reactors were the first units in the world capable of producing more than 1,000 megawatts – or 1 billion watts of power.
Today, Browns Ferry generates up to 3,954 million watts of carbon-free baseload energy, enough electricity to power more than 2 million homes and businesses across the Tennessee Valley region. As Browns Ferry marks its 50th anniversary, TVA is making significant investments and improvements to the power plant to help ensure the energy needs of the Tennessee Valley region are met for decades to come.
“Our continued investment in Browns Ferry is a reflection of our commitment to providing an affordable, reliable, and clean energy future,” Jeff Lyash, TVA President and CEO, said. “We believe nuclear energy will play a critical role in our region and nation’s energy future. 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.”
“All of TVA’s employees, both past and present, demonstrate a dedication to operational excellence, safety, environmental stewardship, emergency preparedness and embracing new technology. Without question, the employees at Browns Ferry live up to the plant’s name ‘The Pride of the Valley’ and have so much to be proud of on this 50th anniversary.”
Browns Ferry has approximately 1,500 workers onsite, comprised of TVA employees and contractor partners, and is a Top Quartile Fleet Performer in the nuclear industry. Extending licenses for TVA’s nuclear fleet is a priority for TVA so we can continue to meet the load growth we’re seeing in our region, and Browns Ferry is the first TVA nuclear power plant to submit an application for subsequent license renewal to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to allow all three units to continue operation for an additional 20 years after the current licenses expire.
“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,” said Daniel Komm, Browns Ferry Nuclear Site Vice President. “The complexity of our work at Browns Ferry and the value we place on safe, reliable operation requires teamwork. There are so many individuals who’ve helped us get to this point, and we have an opportunity to create a new legacy for the next 50 years.” – Courtesy TVA