The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), created by Act of Congress in 1933, has responsibility for generating electricity, providing flood control, and promoting agricultural and industrial development for the Tennessee Valley. In the generation of electricity, TVA initially developed extensive hydroelectric facilities throughout the valley and, subsequently, extensive fossil and nuclear facilities. In the changing regulatory and economic environment associated with electricity generation, TVA has created the Public Power Institute (PPI). The PPI has responsibility for advancing energy generation and pollution reduction; it has responsibility for renewable energy development. In carrying out its renewable energy commitment, the PPI extends the leadership in biomass cofiring started in 1992, with studies and testing performed in cooperation with the Electric Power Research Institute at such locations as the Kingston Fossil Plant and the Alien Fossil Plant. It extends the activities associated with using tire-derived fuel at the Alien Fossil Plant. Through the PPI, TVA will continue to take a leadership role in the development of biomass systems. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.