Here’s where Georgia is installing 500 MW of new battery energy storage

30 Aug 2024

In a continued effort to limit its use of fossil fuels to mitigate peaks, Georgia Power Company is adding a whole mess of new BESS.

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.

Georgia Power included attachments with information and data on each of the proposed projects, but since they contained “sensitive terms and conditions” and cost information, they were nearly entirely redacted from public disclosure- deemed “trade secrets.”

Here’s what we do know about those projects:

Robins BESS: A 128 MW, 4-hour duration BESS in Warner Robins, Georgia on an existing Air Force base site. The engineering, procurement, and construction company (EPC) is Burns and McDonnell. It will utilize lithium iron phosphate Tesla Megapack 2 XL batteries, which will be charged via electricity from the grid. It’s expected to be online in 2026.

Moody BESS: A 49.5 MW, 4-hour duration BESS in Valdosta, Georgia on an existing Air Force base site. The EPC is Crowder. It will utilize lithium iron phosphate Tesla Megapack 2 XL batteries, which will be paired with an existing solar project at the base. It’s expected to be online in 2026.

Hammond BESS: A 57.5 MW, 4-hour duration in Rome, Georgia on the site of Plant Hammond, an existing coal-fired power station that has been decommissioned. The EPC is Crowder. It will utilize lithium iron phosphate Tesla Megapack 2 XL batteries, which will be positioned alongside “existing infrastructure.” It’s expected to be online in 2026.

McGrau Ford Phase II: A 265 MW, 4-hour duration in Ball Ground, Georgia on a site in Cherokee County that already has a 265 MW BESS being built. Burns and McDonnell is the EPC. It also utilizes lithium iron phosphate Tesla Megapack 2 XL batteries, which will be charged by the grid. Phase two of this project is expected to be online in 2026.