Georgia Power—an electric utility headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia—has commenced construction on 765 MW of new battery energy storage systems (BESS) across Georgia, with installations underway in Bibb, Lowndes, Floyd, and Cherokee counties. These projects were approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) as part of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process, and are designed to provide fast, flexible energy capacity to support grid reliability and customer needs. The new BESS projects build on the company’s first-ever battery storage facility at Mossy Branch near Columbus, which became operational in 2024.
By storing excess renewable energy generated during off-peak hours and dispatching it during periods of high demand—such as cold winter mornings—BESS helps balance the grid and improve the overall efficiency of renewable power generation. These systems are capable of delivering stored energy to the grid for several hours at a time, making them a valuable asset for ensuring a consistent power supply.
Among the new projects, the 128 MW Robins BESS in Bibb County is co-located with an existing solar facility near Robins Air Force Base. This setup allows Georgia Power to use existing infrastructure, reducing costs and avoiding lengthy construction timelines. The project is being handled by Burns & McDonnell and is expected to be operational by June 2026. In Lowndes County, the 49.5 MW Moody BESS, located adjacent to Moody Air Force Base, follows a similar approach, using existing infrastructure to expedite deployment. This project is being developed by Crowder Industrial Construction and is slated to begin service in May 2026.
In Floyd County, the 57.5 MW Hammond BESS is being built on the site of a decommissioned coal-fired plant. By repurposing existing transmission infrastructure, the project offers a cost-effective way to meet future energy needs. It is also being constructed by Crowder Industrial Construction and is expected to be operational by November 2026. The largest of the new projects, the McGrau Ford Phase I and II BESS in Cherokee County, will deliver a combined 530 MW of capacity. Due to prior site work and land acquisition, Georgia Power expects to complete this project efficiently using Burns & McDonnell as the contractor, with commercial operation dates targeted for September and October 2026.
Looking ahead, Georgia Power plans to expand its battery storage capacity further. The company is working with the PSC to procure an additional 1,000 MW of battery storage through competitive bidding. A 13 MW demonstration project is also in progress at Fort Stewart near Savannah.