Puryear, Tenn.–The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is asking public input on a draft environmental assessment for the SR Puryear Solar Project in Henry County, Tennessee. Details of the review are available in a draft environmental assessment at www.tva.com/nepa.
TVA has entered into a power purchase agreement, or PPA, with SR Puryear LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Silicon Ranch Corporation, to purchase the power generated by the proposed SR Puryear Solar Project in Henry County, Tennessee. The project is anticipated to generate up to 50 megawatts (MW) in capacity. The proposed solar facility would be constructed and operated by SR Puryear LLC.
The draft environmental assessment includes two alternatives: a no action alternative and an action alternative. Under the no action alternative, TVA would not purchase the power generated by the project under the 20-year PPA with SR Puryear LLC, and TVA would not be involved with the project. Under the proposed action alternative, SR Puryear LLC would construct and operate a 50-MW single-axis tracking photovoltaic solar power facility. The proposed project would be developed on 349 acres of a 611-acre project site located approximately one mile east of the city of Puryear in Henry County, Tennessee.
TVA will accept comments through October 18, 2023, on the scope of the environmental review and environmental issues that should be addressed in the document. Comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record and will be available for public inspection.
Comments may be submitted online at www.tva.com/nepa, or by email to nepa@tva.gov. You may also submit written comments to:
Neil Schock, NEPA Specialist
Tennessee Valley Authority
400 W. Summit Hill Drive
WT-11D
Knoxville, TN, 37902.
TVA will not make a decision without public input and the completion of the environmental review process.
TVA is building one of the most advanced energy systems in the nation, which includes, investing $15 billion over the next three years to prepare for growth. In addition, TVA will build about 3,800 megawatts of new generation, including combustion turbines, solar projects, combined-cycle natural gas, and energy storage. To support this effort, TVA is investing over $2.8 billion in transmission system improvements across its service area through 2028, to build the energy grid of the future that will continue to provide clean, low-cost, reliable power.
Photo: Groundbreaking of the Paris/Henry Co. Solar project in Puryear in October. Shannon McFarlin photo.