North Alabama Utility-Scale Solar Project

Lawrence County, Alabama

TVA completed an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to address the potential environmental effects associated with constructing, operating, maintaining and decommissioning the solar photovoltaic (PV) facility, North Alabama Utility-Scale Solar Project, in Lawrence County, Alabama.

The EIS includes two alternatives: a No Action Alternative and an Action Alternative. Under the No Action Alternative, TVA would not develop a solar PV facility at this location and would pursue other actions to meet its renewable energy goals. Under the Action Alternative, TVA would construct an approximately 200-MW AC solar PV facility, including an electrical substation and possibly a battery energy storage system, on an approximately 1,459-acre portion of the TVA-owned Project Site. An additional 150 acres of the Project Site would be maintained as species-rich native plant meadow.

This EIS has been prepared to inform TVA decision-makers and the public about the environmental consequences of the proposed action. Comments were collected from the general public, local, state and federal stakeholders. All comments were considered in preparation of the final EIS.

On May 9, 2022, TVA finalized the EIS and submitted the final to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA published a Notice of Availability in the Federal Register on Friday, May 13, 2022. On July 1, 2022, TVA issued a Record of Decision adopting the preferred alternative (Action Alternative) to construct an approximately 200-MW AC solar facility. 

Virtual Public Information Session

A recording of the Virtual Public Information Session that was held on February 11, 2021, is available below.