TVA’s Watts Bar Unit 2 completed and entered Commercial operations

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has commissioned the new 1,200MW unit 2 of Watts Bar nuclear power plant, located near Spring City, Tennessee, US.

Developed with an investment of $4.7bn, the unit 2 has entered commercial operation following completion of extensive series of power ascension tests and represents the country’s first new nuclear generation in 20 years.

TVA president and CEO Bill Johnson said: “TVA’s mission is to make life better in the Valley by providing reliable, low-cost energy, protecting our area’s natural resources and working to attract business and growth – all priorities simultaneously supported by the completion of Watts Bar Unit 2.”

The Watts Bar Unit 2, which has already generated more than 500 million kilowatt/hours of carbon-free energy during testing, will have 40-year operating license.

Along with the operational Unit 1, the Watts Bar plant is expected to generate carbon-free electricity to power 1.3 million homes, when online.

Commissioned in May 1996, the unit 1 is licensed for operation through 2035.

TVA generation executive vice-president and chief nuclear officer Joe Grimes said: “TVA believes that Watts Bar Unit 2, and other nuclear units like it across the Valley and the nation, represents a vital investment in our clean energy future.”

Bechtel served as the primary construction contractor for the Watts Bar Unit 2, which has completed eight years of extensive safety reviews and inspections.

Image: The Watts Bar nuclear power plant in Tennessee, US. Photo: courtesy of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).