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Tennessee   Tennessee Profile

State Profile and Energy Estimates

Changes to the State Energy Data System (SEDS) Notice: In October 2023, we updated the way we calculate primary energy consumption of electricity generation from noncombustible renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal). Visit our Changes to 1960—2022 conversion factor for renewable energy page to learn more.

Profile Overview

Quick Facts

  • The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is the nation's largest public power corporation by generating capacity. It owns more than 90% of Tennessee's electric generating capacity and about three-fifths of the power plants, including the 10 largest power plants in the state.
  • TVA's Watts Bar 2 generating plant, which began commercial operations in October 2016, is the nation's first new nuclear power reactor to enter service in the 21st century. Tennessee's two nuclear power plants provided 45% of in-state electricity in 2022.
  • Tennessee's one petroleum refinery, located in Memphis, can process about 180,000 barrels of crude oil per calendar day, which is about 1% of U.S. total refining capacity.
  • The amount of natural gas consumed by Tennessee's electric power sector in 2022, when natural gas fueled 21% of in-state generation, was double the volume from a decade earlier.
  • Tennessee is the seventh-largest hydroelectric power producer in the nation. Hydroelectric power contributed 12% of the state’s generation in 2022.

Last Updated: September 21, 2023

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