Gallatin Fossil Plant

Gallatin Fossil Plant is located in middle Tennessee on the north bank of the Cumberland River. Fishing is permitted by boat only at the plant’s water discharge area, where the warm water attracts many species.

Balancing efficient power production with environmental protection

Electricity is produced at Gallatin’s four coal-fired units by the process of heating water in a boiler to produce steam. Under extremely high pressure, the steam flows into a turbine that spins a generator to make electricity. Gallatin generates some 4.7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity a year, enough to supply 300,000 homes.

In 2004, two units at Gallatin set all-time continuous-run records, operating without any interruptions for repairs or maintenance for a longer period than ever before.

To reduce sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, all four Gallatin units use a blend of low-sulfur coal. To reduce nitrogen oxides (NO_X), the units use low-NO_X burners. View more information about emissions at Gallatin and the steps TVA is taking to control them.

By 2010, TVA will have spent about $5.3 billion on emissions controls at its fossil-fuel plants to ensure that this power supply is generated as cleanly as possible, consistent with efficiency.

Combustion turbines

TVA added four combustion-turbine units at Gallatin in the early 1970s, and another four in 2000. These units, which can burn either fuel oil or natural gas, are designed to start quickly. Although they cost more to operate than TVA’s other power sources, they are needed to meet the demand for electricity during peak operating periods.

Toxics Release Inventory

TVA is required to report annually to the Environmental Protection Agency on the amounts of chemicals released by its fossil-fuel plants. Check here for the latest data on Gallatin.

Emissions Data

TVA monitors other emissions at its fossil plants, including SO₂, NO_X, CO₂, and mercury. Check here for the latest data on Gallatin.