Georgia photovoltaic energy storage lithium battery

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.

Accordingly, Georgia Power is planning for more generation, with ongoing investment into existing power plants, including nuclear, and integration of more natural gas, while adding 4 GW of renewable resources, boosting the proposed portfolio to around 11 GW by 2035. That indicates new additions of 1.1 GW in renewables.

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.

State resourcing plans are increasingly updating battery energy storage systems (BESS) plans, especially those tied to solar. From ESS News Resource Plan (IRP) with the first update since 2023 showing further acceleration in the utility's adoption of (BESS).

Georgia Power senior vice-president and senior production officer Rick Anderson said: “At Georgia Power, we work with the Georgia PSC and many other stakeholders to make the investments required for a reliable and resilient power grid, integrating new technologies to better serve our customers today and as Georgia grows.