World Power Plants

Fort Loudoun153.3 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Jul 2026

Fort Loudoun stands as a notable power generation facility in the United States, specifically ranking as the 1,642nd largest out of 10,047 plants, thanks to its 153.3 MW hydroelectric capacity. Though it only contributes about 0.01% to the national energy mix, Fort Loudoun's significance is underscored by its rank as the 138th largest hydro facility among 1,469 across the country. Commissioned in 1946, this facility has been a cornerstone of the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) commitment to delivering renewable energy to the region. Surrounded by a predominantly coal-fired landscape, Fort Loudoun is in proximity to several significant plants, including the Kingston coal plant, which boasts a capacity of 1,700 MW, and the Bull Run coal plant at 950 MW. This contrast between Fort Loudoun's renewable output and the substantial capacities of nearby coal plants highlights the ongoing energy transition in the U.S. While coal remains dominant nationally, hydroelectricity is increasingly recognized for its clean energy potential. In comparison to the average capacity of approximately 137 MW per plant nationwide, Fort Loudoun's output is fairly competitive. The TVA's ownership of Fort Loudoun reflects a strategic focus on balancing energy sources to meet regional demands while pursuing sustainability goals. As the U.S. energy landscape evolves, Fort Loudoun is poised to play a key role in the shift towards greener energy solutions, potentially serving as a model for hydroelectric expansion and collaboration with other renewable sources. The facility's long-standing operation and integration within the TVA's network not only benefit local economies through job creation but also enhance the overall resilience of the energy grid in a time of increasing climate challenges.

Capacity
153.3 MW
Commissioning Year
1946

80 years old

Owner
Tennessee Valley Authority
Location
35.7917°, -84.2431°

United States of America, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1,693. largest of 10,098 plants in United States of America
  • #8,317 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,755 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.01% of the installed capacity of United States of America
Age & fleet comparison

80 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Tennessee Valley Authority operates 60 plants totalling 47,132 MW

Regional density

35 plants within 100 km, 14,493 MW combined

Nearest plant: Tate & Lyle Loudon Plant (9.3 km)

Location

Coordinates:: 35.791700, -84.243100
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Fort Loudoun is a hydro power plant producing approximately 537 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
United States of America
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

United States of AmericaEnergy Profile

10,098
Total Plants
1420.7 GW
Total Capacity
GasCoalNuclearWind
Top Fuels

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