The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has announced its plans to undertake a study on reducing carbon emissions at its natural gas plant in Muhlenberg County. As part of its efforts to transition away from coal-fired units, TVA is exploring a potential partnership with TC Energy to incorporate carbon capture technology at the Paradise Fossil Plant in Drakesboro.
In recent years, TVA has retired two coal-fired units at the Paradise Fossil Plant, and by 2035, the utility aims to completely shut down its network of coal units. By implementing emissions reduction measures at the Drakesboro facility, TVA will be one step closer to achieving its goal of becoming net-zero by 2050.
The study, which will cost $1.2 million, will assess the feasibility of adding carbon capture technology to TVA’s entire fleet of natural gas plants. This evaluation aims to determine the costs, technical challenges, and operational impacts associated with the implementation of such technology. TVA spokesperson Scott Fielder emphasizes the need for emissions reduction as TVA expands its solar energy portfolio, as natural gas technology provides reliable power during periods when solar energy is not available.
Additionally, the study will explore the potential for carbon capture technology at TVA’s natural gas facility in Ackerman, Mississippi.
Carbon capture technology functions by diverting exhaust gases from natural gas plants to a nearby CO2 scrubber. This scrubber facilitates a chemical reaction that absorbs the CO2 before the exhaust is released into the atmosphere. The captured CO2 is subsequently stored deep underground.
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Definitions:
1. Carbon capture technology: A process that captures carbon dioxide emissions from industrial facilities, preventing them from being released into the atmosphere.
2. Net-zero: Achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount removed from the atmosphere.
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