Vonore Battery Energy Storage System and Associated Subsystem

Monroe and Blount Counties, Tennessee

On January 18, 2022, the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) issued the final Environmental Assessment (EA) and finding of no significant impact associated with a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), substation and upgrade to an existing fiber line.

TVA is proposing to construct a BESS and associated substation pilot study project capable of generating 20 megawatts with a storage capacity of 40 megawatt hours. The proposed BESS pilot project would maximize learning about battery storage projects; would target specific grid needs; access grid resiliency and flexibility applications; and focus on Li–ion chemistry. The proposed BESS pilot project would also assist in developing and demonstrating processes and procedures to help with future TVA energy storage projects. This proposed facility would be located west of State Highway 72 in Vonore, Tennessee in Monroe County. To support the BESS pilot project, roughly one-half mile of new, all dielectric self-supporting fiber cable would need to be installed on the existing Fort Loudon to Alcoa No. 1 transmission line, just east of Friendsville, in Blount County, Tennessee.

The EA evaluates the potential environmental effects of the BESS, its associated substation, and the upgrade of the existing fiber line.

Public Involvement

Comments were collected from the public, state, local, and federal stakeholders from October 18, 2021 through November 17, 2021. All comments were considered in preparation of the final EA.