HARTSVILLE, Tenn. (WGNS) — The Tennessee Valley Authority safely imploded a 540-foot hyperbolic cooling tower at its Hartsville site in Trousdale County, Tennessee, early this morning, Thursday, September 18, around sunrise.

Safety was the top priority. Expert demolition contractors, in coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, executed the controlled demolition to ensure a safe operation with minimal disruption to the community.

The public was informed that the implosion caused a brief but loud noise. To maintain a secure perimeter, TVA restricted access to its property during the event, prohibiting drones and all aircraft. Temporary roadblocks were set up on non-public roads and removed shortly after the implosion. A video of the event was shared on TVA’s social media channels soon after.

The removal of the cooling tower was part of TVA’s ongoing efforts to eliminate obsolete infrastructure, enhance public safety, and prepare sites for future redevelopment opportunities.

About TVA

The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, serving over 10 million people across seven southeastern states. With a diverse energy portfolio—including nuclear, hydro, coal, gas, solar, and advanced technologies—TVA is investing heavily in new generation and transmission systems.

As a corporate agency of the United States, TVA operates without taxpayer funding, relying almost entirely on electricity sales. It maintains some of the lowest energy costs and highest reliability in the nation, with residential rates lower than 80% of the top 100 U.S. utilities and industrial rates lower than 90%. Beyond power, TVA supports flood control, navigation, and land management along the Tennessee River system while aiding local power companies, state, and local governments with economic development and job creation. Learn more at tva.com.