TVA's program to develop atmospheric fluidized bed combustion (AFBC) as a utility power generating option

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is involved in research and development activities in AFBC which are intended to lead to the commercialization of this technology for the utility industry. Preliminary and final conceptual designs for a 200-MW AFBC demonstration plant were developed independently by several boiler manufacturers under TVA sponsorship. A 20-MW AFBC pilot plant was designed and built under contract with the Babcock and Wilcox Company and is in its initial stages of operation and testing. TVA is currently developing a conceptual design for an addon 160-MW AFBC replacement boiler based on the Shawnee Steam Plant. This is viewed as the most economical method of demonstrating AFBC technology for utility applications.