Allen Fossil Plant

Allen Fossil Plant is on the Mississippi River five miles southwest of downtown Memphis. The plant was built in the 1950s by the Memphis Light, Gas, and Water Division, leased to TVA in 1965, and purchased outright by TVA in 1984.

Balancing efficient power production with environmental protection

Electricity is generated at Allen’s three 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.

Allen generates about 4.9 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity a year, enough to supply 345,000 homes. By 2010, TVA will have spent about $6 billion on emissions controls at its fossil-fuel plants to ensure that this power supply is generated as cleanly as possible, consistent with efficiency.

To reduce sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, all three units at Allen burn a blend of low-sulfur coal. To reduce nitrogen oxides (NO_X), the three units use overfire air and selective catalytic reduction systems, which were completed in 2003. The SCRs will reduce NO_X emissions by transforming them into harmless nitrogen and water vapor. View more information about emissions at Allen and the steps TVA is taking to control them.

Combustion turbines

TVA added 20 combustion turbine units at Allen in the early 1970s. 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’re 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 Allen.

Emissions Data

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