- Browns Ferry is TVA’s first and largest nuclear power plant, with three boiling water reactors producing about 20 percent of TVA’s total generation capacity.
- It is the nation’s third-largest nuclear power producer and employs 1,500 people.
- In this 50th anniversary year for Unit 1, Browns Ferry also became the first TVA Nuclear Power Plant to submit an application for subsequent license renewal to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
ATHENS — 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 MW 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.
“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.”
In addition to producing electricity, Browns Ferry employees continually give back to the community through volunteer work and donate to the annual Combined Federal Campaign, which allows them to target their pledges to local charities and non-profits that help those in need in our community. More information about Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant is available here.
The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established more than 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship, and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse, and cleanest energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future.
Media Release/Clarissa McClain//TVA Media Relations
