Georgia Power teeing up four battery storage projects

ATLANTA – Georgia Power will build battery energy storage systems (BESS) at four sites across the state, adding 500 megawatts of electrical generating capacity to help meet a growing demand for power primarily by large industrial customers.

Battery storage is among a variety of power generation sources state energy regulators approved last April as part of a huge increase in generating capacity for the Atlanta-based utility. The plan also includes other forms of renewable energy as well as fossil fuels.

“These resources will add to Georgia Power’s diverse generation portfolio, helping to ensure the company has the mix of technologies necessary to provide clean, safe, reliable, and affordable electric service for all customers during all hours,” the company wrote Thursday in a news release.

Georgia Power’s plan calls for BESS facilities adjacent to both Robins Air Force Base in Bibb County and Moody Air Force Base in Lowndes County. Both will be co-located with existing solar facilities.

A third standalone BESS will be located at the retired coal-burning Plant Hammond in Floyd County. The fourth site will double the battery-storage capacity of the existing McGrau Ford Battery Facility in Cherokee County.

While the state Public Service Commission already has approved the battery-storage component of Georgia Power’s plan for additional generating capacity, the PSC still must certify the four BESS projects.

On Thursday, the commission’s Energy Committee set hearing dates of Oct. 31 and – if needed – Nov. 1. The commission is scheduled to vote Dec. 3 on certifying the work.