News Summary
Georgia Power has initiated the construction of a 200MW battery energy storage system in Twiggs County, adjacent to its solar facility. The project aims to enhance grid reliability and efficiency, storing renewable energy for peak demand periods. The BESS, part of an initiative for additional power sources, is expected to be completed by 2027, alongside other battery facilities in the state to boost overall energy capacity. This move is significant for managing energy supply and supporting the growing demand for reliable renewable energy.
Twiggs County, Georgia – Georgia Power has begun construction on a 200MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Twiggs County, southeast of Macon, Georgia. This project, approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) on September 4, 2025, is part of the company’s strategy to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the electric grid.
Project Details and Objectives
The 200MW BESS will be situated next to the existing Twiggs County solar facility, which positions it to optimize the use of renewable energy. The system is designed to store energy and deliver it rapidly during periods of high demand, specifically over a four-hour timeframe. This capability is critical for enhancing grid reliability, particularly during times when solar energy production decreases.
This construction project stems from competitive processes tied to the 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Update, which identified the need for additional power sources that are both efficient and cost-effective.
Construction Timeline and Associated Projects
The BESS in Twiggs County is being built by Crowder Industrial Construction and is expected to be completed by 2027. Progress is also being made on four other BESS facilities across Bibb, Cherokee, Floyd, and Lowndes counties, which together will contribute an additional 765MW of capacity, with completion anticipated in 2026.
Furthermore, Georgia Power is actively seeking PSC approval for ten new BESS facilities totaling 3,022.5MW and is working on two new solar systems that will include BESS with a combined capacity of 350MW.
Future Capacity and Energy Storage Initiatives
The selection for the locations of these energy systems is based on deployment capabilities, including their proximity to existing plant sites and substations. In addition, Georgia Power is inviting bids for another 500MW of energy storage systems (ESS) that need to have at least a two-hour discharge duration, which will be managed by Ascend Analytics on behalf of Georgia Power. The goal is for these projects to begin operation by 2031, with bids due in early 2026.
Renewable Energy Expansion
In further advancements towards renewable energy, Georgia Power received PSC approval in September 2025 for five new utility-scale solar power purchase agreements that will add a total of 1,068MW to the state’s renewable energy capacity.
Background Context
The significance of the Twiggs County BESS project lies in its potential to store excess energy produced during low-demand periods, allowing it to be utilized when demand is high and renewable energy sources are not actively generating power. Rick Anderson, Georgia Power’s senior vice-president, highlighted the collaboration with the Georgia PSC and other stakeholders in creating a reliable power grid as a crucial component of this initiative.
As energy demand continues to grow, projects like the Twiggs County BESS play a vital role in ensuring that the electric grid remains resilient and capable of meeting future energy needs efficiently.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Power Technology: Georgia Power begins construction on 200MW BESS
- Wikipedia: Battery Energy Storage System
- Daily Energy Insider: Construction on new BESS gets under way by Georgia Power
- Google Search: Georgia Power battery energy storage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Energy Storage
- U.S. Energy Information Administration: What is Energy Storage?
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
The represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.