Cheatham County Generation Site EIS Scoping Report
Appendix C Summary of Scoping Comments
Tennessee Valley Authority
Energy Buy-Back Programs The TVA needs to work with lawmakers to implement an Energy Buy Back Program. Tennessee is only one of three states without one. This is abhorrent. The TVA is the nation’s largest power provider and owns more that 90% of the state’s generating capacity, yet the TVA won’t encourage any residential incentives for alternative energies? WHY? An energy buyback program is a policy that allows individuals or businesses to sell excess electricity generated from renewable energy sources back to the grid. A buy back program encourages renewable energy adoption by providing financial incentives for individuals and businesses to invest in renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or wind turbines. By allowing them to sell surplus energy back to the grid at a fair price, the program encourages the generation of clean and sustainable electricity. With an energy buyback program, individuals and businesses can generate their own electricity and reduce their reliance on traditional power sources. This promotes energy independence, as participants can produce a portion or even the entirety of their energy needs. It reduces dependence on fossil fuels and helps diversify the energy mix. Why isn’t the TVA pursuing this? By creating a market for small-scale renewable energy producers, energy buyback programs stimulate the growth of the renewable energy industry. This includes the installation, maintenance, and manufacturing of renewable energy technologies, creating jobs and economic opportunities in the sector. Encouraging increased adoption of renewable energy through energy buyback programs leads to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. As more clean energy is generated and integrated into the grid, there is a corresponding decrease in the need for electricity from fossil fuel sources, which contribute to climate change. Energy buyback programs encourage distributed generation, where energy is produced closer to the point of consumption. This reduces transmission and distribution losses and enhances grid stability by decentralizing power production. It can also help alleviate strain on the grid during peak demand periods. Energy buyback programs empower consumers by allowing them to actively participate in the energy market. Participants can generate their own electricity, lower their energy bills, and even earn income by selling surplus energy. It promotes a sense of ownership and control over energy consumption, fostering energy efficiency and conservation. The availability of a stable market and financial incentives provided by energy buyback programs encourage innovation and technological advancements in renewable energy systems. This leads to improved efficiency, cost reductions, and the development of new technologies, further driving the transition to a clean energy future. Overall, energy buyback programs play a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable development. They provide economic, environmental, and social benefits, helping to create a more resilient and cleaner energy system. How many solar systems could be installed in Tennessee? The number of solar systems that could be installed in Tennessee depends on various factors such as available land area, rooftop space, energy demand, policy support, and economic feasibility. However, we can estimate the potential based on the solar resource and current capacity. Solar Resource: Tennessee has a moderate to good solar resource, with an average of around 4-5 peak sun hours per day. This indicates the amount of sunlight available for solar energy generation. Land Area: Tennessee has a total land area of approximately 109,000 square kilometers (42,000 square miles). However, not all of this land is suitable for large-scale solar installations due to factors like topography, land use, and environmental considerations. Rooftop Potential: Besides large-scale solar installations, there is also potential for solar systems on rooftops of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The total rooftop area available for solar panels in Tennessee is significant and can contribute to the overall solar capacity. Current Solar Capacity: As of 2021, Tennessee had an installed solar capacity of around 1,400 megawatts (MW), which includes utility- scale solar projects, commercial installations, and residential solar systems. Given the available solar resource, land area, and rooftop potential, Tennessee has significant untapped solar energy potential. The exact number of solar systems that could be installed in the state is challenging to determine without detailed analysis. However, with continued policy support, investment, and favorable market conditions, Tennessee has the potential to significantly increase its solar capacity and install thousands of solar systems, both utility-scale and distributed (rooftop) installations, in the coming years. The TVA should partner with local providers and membership cooperatives to conduct a comprehensive assessment and analysis of solar energy potential considering various factors like land availability, energy demand projections, economic viability, and regulatory frameworks of solar installations before moving forward with new methane plant projects and/or further fossil fuel expansions.
Comments and questions for the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Scoping Notice Regarding Cheatham County Generation Site_000005
7/7/2023
negative
Tracy A.
O'Neill
37015
Comments and questions for the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Scoping Notice Regarding Cheatham County Generation Site_000006
7/7/2023
Biodiversity Impacts Methane gas plants require significant land area for infrastructure, including the plant itself, storage facilities, and transportation infrastructure. Clearing land for construction can result in habitat loss and fragmentation, leading to the displacement or loss of local flora and fauna. The construction process can disrupt the natural soil structure and composition, leading to soil erosion, compaction, and loss of fertility. This can have cascading effects on the health and productivity of the surrounding ecosystems. Methane gas plants may generate wastewater or other effluents during their operation. If not adequately treated and managed, these discharges can contaminate nearby water bodies, affecting aquatic ecosystems and potentially harming aquatic organisms and the organisms that rely on them. Methane gas plants may release various air pollutants during their operation, including methane itself, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These emissions can contribute to air pollution, degrade air quality, and harm both human and ecosystem health. Construction and operation activities associated with methane gas plants can generate significant noise and light pollution. This disturbance can disrupt the natural behavior and habitats of local wildlife, affecting their feeding, breeding, and migration patterns. The combination of habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance from a methane gas plant can have adverse effects on biodiversity. Local flora and fauna may face challenges in adapting to or surviving in altered or degraded habitats, leading to a loss of species diversity and ecological balance. Methane gas plants involve complex infrastructure and handling processes, which can introduce the risk of accidents, leaks, or spills. Such incidents can have immediate and long- term consequences on ecosystems, including soil, water, and air pollution, as well as direct harm to plants, animals, and humans in the vicinity. negative Tracy A. O'Neill 37015
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