Georgia Power has identified sites for 500 MW of new Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as part of its 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) update approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). The planned installations aim to enhance energy supply stability and manage peak demand, especially during the winter of 2026/2027.

The selected sites will utilize existing infrastructure, which helps to reduce development costs and accelerate deployment. Notable projects include Robins BESS (128 MW) in Bibb County and Moody BESS (49.5 MW) in Lowndes County, both of which leverage nearby Air Force Bases to share solar generation infrastructure, minimizing the need for new substations and interconnections.

Additionally, the Hammond BESS project (57.5 MW) in Floyd County will be located on the former Plant Hammond coal-fired power plant site, utilizing existing transmission capacity. This strategic reuse of sites not only cuts costs but also reduces the implementation timeline.

These storage systems will bolster grid resilience by storing surplus energy from renewable sources and re-injecting it when demand spikes. The projects also benefit from the Inflation Reduction Act tax incentives, lowering development costs and customer tariffs.

In parallel, Georgia Power continues progress on other storage projects, including the near-completion Mossy Branch Battery Facility (65 MW) and the McGrau Ford Phase I BESS project (265 MW), expected to be operational by 2026.

Georgia Power remains committed to enhancing grid reliability and optimizing operational costs through strategic energy storage investments.

Source: energynews.pro