Norris Dam Tour Educates Knoxville Officials on Hydropower and Renewable Energy

Norris Dam Tour Highlights Hydropower’s Role in Knoxville

Knoxville officials recently had the chance to tour the Norris Dam, located about 25 miles north of the city. This tour featured elected officials and senior staff from Knoxville and Knox County, all eager to learn more about how the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) utilizes hydropower. The opportunity arose just before National Hydropower Day, taking place on August 24, and was seen as a great way to inform local leaders about this important renewable energy source.

A Growing Interest in Educational Tours

The idea for the tour came from a simple conversation over breakfast. TVA Community Relations Manager Bryan Johnson spoke with Knox County Commissioner and mayoral candidate Larsen Jay about potential educational tours for officials. Johnson quickly thought of Norris Dam as an ideal location to provide insight into the federal utility’s operations, which are critical in generating electricity for the region.

Tour Insights and Historical Significance

The group was led by Erik Bodiscomassink, the plant manager at Norris Dam. He and other staff provided a detailed tour of the dam’s many features. Officials walked through the dam’s sluice gate gallery, a spacious area that runs across the spillway of the dam. It was here that various officials shared their thoughts, with some likening the scene to settings from popular movies.

Norris Dam itself is over 90 years old and serves as a critical example of the infrastructure developed by the TVA. This gravity dam is 265 feet tall and stretches 1,860 feet long, and is designed to harness the power of water using the weight of the concrete to keep it firmly in place. During the visit, Knox County officials took the time to stare up at hydraulic valves that control the sluice gates, used to release water as needed.

Powering Homes and Communities

The dam’s two generators produce around 65 megawatts each, which can supply electricity to approximately 75,000 homes. To generate this energy, the dam needs an impressive 24,000 gallons of lake water every second to turn the turbines. Two large penstocks precisely move the water to the turbines, showcasing the dam’s engineering marvel.

Maintaining Operations

During regular operations, only five TVA staff members are typically present at the dam. Bodiscomassink highlighted that about 85% of their work involves maintaining the systems to ensure everything runs smoothly. Notably, the dam is automated and monitored remotely, allowing staff to leave for evenings and weekends while the operations continue uninterrupted.

Environmental Considerations

Another notable aspect of Norris Dam’s operations is its commitment to the environment. The TVA aerates the water, enriching it with oxygen before it travels downstream to support local wildlife. In addition, a small downstream dam helps to regulate water flow, which is essential for both ecological health and recreational fishing.

A Rich History and Visitor Attraction

Norris Dam has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors since it opened, many coming to take tours or visit the visitor center. Besides providing support during peak electricity demands, the dam plays a valuable role in maintaining consistent water flow for local ecosystems.

As the tour wrapped up, several county officials took the opportunity to admire a mural in the reception area that depicts the TVA system. This artwork was restored after being covered for decades, showcasing the historical significance of Norris Dam and its place within the larger narrative of energy production in Tennessee.

The tour of Norris Dam not only highlighted the impressive engineering and operational capacities of the TVA but also emphasized the ongoing dialogue between state officials and energy management. As conversations continue, the hope is to keep enhancing the understanding and expansion of renewable energy sources in the region.