Jul 24, 2024
The TVA has been tackling some of the South's biggest problems
since 1933. What started as a solution to poverty, flooding, and
depleted farmlands now works on nuclear power and clean energy. In
this episode, Joe Hoagland joins us in the studio to discuss how
the TVA got started, what it’s doing now, and where it's going in
the future. We delve into TVA’s current energy portfolio, future
small modular reactors, and economic development. Joe also
discusses the push for nuclear leadership in Tennessee, grid
capacity challenges, and the importance of engaging future
generations in STEM to support the growing energy sector.
About Joe Hoagland
Joe Hoagland is the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Vice
President of Innovation and Research. He earned his BS in
Chemistry from Southern Utah University and an MS and PhD in
Physical Chemistry from Washington State University. Joe has been
with TVA since 1993, spearheading numerous key initiatives. He is
also the Chair of Tennessee’s Energy Policy Council, an adjunct
professor at the Howard Baker School at the University of
Tennessee, and serves on the board of directors for the American
Museum of Science and Energy Foundation.
Show Highlights
(0:35) Introducing Joe Hoagland
(1:37) When TVA was created, what area it covers, and its
primary missions
(6:31) TVA’s current energy portfolio percentages and how it’s
changing
(9:51) The amount of electricity TVA distributes every year
and how it gets to consumers
(13:15) Understanding the TVA flood control system
(17:19) The TVA’s focus on economic development
(20:07) Joe Hoagland’s role as Chair of the Tennessee State
Energy Policy Council
(25:03) How energy storage systems are changing
(29:16) Energy disruptors the TVA currently faces
(37:39) Engaging this and future generations in STEM to be
part of the growing energy sector