US-based electric utility Georgia Power has commenced construction of new battery energy storage systems (BESS) across the state of Georgia, totalling 765MW capacity.
Who sanctioned battery energy storage systems in Georgia?
The systems are sanctioned by the Georgia Public Service Commission through the Integrated Resource Plan. Credit: Georgia Power. US-based electric utility Georgia Power has commenced construction of new battery energy storage systems (BESS) across the state of Georgia, totalling 765MW capacity.
In that filing, Georgia Power signaled its intention to solicit bids for more storage- another 500 MW- in the near future. Battery energy storage projects are popping up all over the U.S., which added nearly 4 GW of storage capacity in the second quarter of this year alone, according to a recent report.
What is Georgia Power's 530-megawatt battery storage system?
Georgia Power breaks ground at the McGrau Ford Battery Facility in Cherokee County on April 4, 2025. This 530-megawatt battery energy storage system will consist of two phases, approved in the 2022 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and 2023 IRP Update. Courtesy: Georgia Power.
Georgia Power emphasized that the construction timelines for these projects are designed to meet anticipated winter peak demand beginning in 2029. The utility stated that the new storage capacity will provide critical backup power and help balance the grid during high-demand periods, particularly as older coal and gas units are retired.
How many MW will Georgia Power build in the next 6 years?
“Over the next six years, Georgia Power projects approximately 8,200 megawatts (MW) of electrical load growth – an increase of more than 2,200 MW by the end of 2030 when compared to projections in the 2023 IRP Update,” Georgia Power said in its press release.
Earlier this month, Georgia Power Company submitted its 2023 Integrated Resource Plan Update (2023 IRP Update) to the Georgia Public Service Commission, which includes an Application for Certification for four battery energy storage systems totaling 500 MW.