Tennessee Valley Authority Approves 200-Megawatt Solar Energy Facility in Alabama

Strategic Insights -

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) has given its approval for a plan to construct a 200-megawatt solar energy facility near Hillsboro, Alabama. This move is part of the agency's effort to increase renewable energy sources, as outlined in its 2019 resource plan. The project, which will be built by Hillsboro Solar LLC, will cover about 1,610 acres and connect to the TVA electrical grid. The facility's operation will be managed by Hillsboro Solar, LLC for a 20-year period.

Key Takeaways:

  • The TVA has approved a 200-megawatt solar energy facility near Hillsboro, Alabama, as part of its effort to increase renewable energy sources.
  • The project will be built by Hillsboro Solar LLC on 1,610 acres and will connect to the TVA electrical grid.
  • The facility will be operated and cared for by Hillsboro Solar, LLC for a 20-year period.
  • The environmental impact statement identified minor to moderate effects on the surrounding environment, including land use and prime farmland.
  • Beneficial outcomes for air quality and the local economy were also identified during the construction phase.
  • Measures included in the plan to address potential issues include planting native plant meadows to support pollinators and limiting tree removal to winter months to protect bat populations.
  • The TVA's decision aims to meet customer demand for renewable energy while balancing environmental considerations.
  • The facility's construction will create economic benefits for the local community.
  • The project is a step forward in the TVA's 2019 resource plan to increase renewable energy sources.

Statistics:

  • 200-megawatt solar energy facility to be constructed near Hillsboro, Alabama.
  • 1,610 acres of land to be used for the facility.
  • 20-year period of operation of the facility.
  • TVA's 2019 resource plan aims to increase renewable energy sources.
  • Minor to moderate effects on the surrounding environment.
  • Beneficial outcomes for air quality and the local economy during construction.
  • Measures to address potential issues include:

+ Planting native plant meadows to support pollinators.

+ Limiting tree removal to winter months to protect bat populations.

Sources:

  • Tennessee Valley Authority. (2025, Aug 8). Hillsboro Solar Final Environmental Impact Statement.
  • Targeted News Service. (Jaymar Talang). (2025, Aug 8). Tennessee Valley Authority Approves Plan for 200-Megawatt Solar Energy Facility.