News Summary
Georgia Power has initiated a significant expansion at Plant Yates with the arrival of the first of three advanced gas turbines. This new Mitsubishi Power M501JAC gas combustion turbine is pivotal in addressing Georgia’s rising energy demands. The turbines, once operational, will add 1,300 MW to the energy grid and are anticipated to create numerous construction and permanent jobs. This investment underlines Georgia Power’s commitment to enhancing its energy infrastructure while navigating environmental concerns associated with natural gas usage.
Coweta County, Georgia — Georgia Power has made a significant move to expand its energy capabilities with the recent delivery of the first of three advanced gas turbines at Plant Yates. The announcement was made on August 20, 2025, marking a critical step in addressing the growing energy demands of the state. The new gas combustion turbine, a Mitsubishi Power M501JAC model, weighs almost 350 tons and measures approximately 50 feet in length and 18 feet in width.
The turbine, which was assembled at Mitsubishi Power’s Savannah Machinery Works facility, was transported to Plant Yates utilizing both rail and truck systems. This development is noteworthy as it represents the first addition of new natural gas units to Georgia Power’s fleet in a decade. Once all three turbines are fully operational, they will contribute a substantial 1,300 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity to the power grid.
Established in 1950, Plant Yates is one of Georgia Power’s oldest generation sites. Over the years, the facility has undergone several transformations, including the decommissioning of five out of seven coal-fired units in 2014. The remaining two units were subsequently adapted for natural gas generation, paving the way for this latest expansion.
The construction of the new gas units is expected to create around 600 construction jobs, significantly boosting local employment. Additionally, the project will generate 15 permanent jobs for the operational workforce currently consisting of 60 employees at Plant Yates. This job creation aligns with the broader objectives of economic development within the community.
The expansion of Plant Yates follows the approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) under the 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Update. The newly delivered turbines are projected to become operational by the end of 2027, serving to meet the state’s escalating energy demands.
The M501JAC combustion turbines are designed with advanced technology that enhances both output and efficiency compared to previous models. One of the standout features of this design is its operational flexibility; it does not require steam cooling, which allows for a shorter startup time of just 30 minutes. Additionally, the turbines have a lower turn down rate, further optimizing their performance.
In terms of fuel versatility, the new turbines can operate on oil if natural gas supplies are interrupted and possess the technical capability to accommodate a mix with hydrogen, pending minor future modifications. This adaptability is significant as it may help address potential energy supply disruptions while also looking toward cleaner energy solutions.
However, the reliance on natural gas has raised environmental concerns. Various advocacy groups have pointed out the carbon emissions associated with fossil fuels, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to more sustainable energy sources. Despite these concerns, Georgia Power is also exploring additional projects, including the construction of gas units at Plants Bowen, Wansley, and McIntosh.
Officials have recognized that this investment in Plant Yates is essential for providing customer value and fostering local economic support. The expansion efforts signify Georgia Power’s commitment to enhancing its energy infrastructure and ensuring reliability for its customers as the population and subsequent energy needs continue to grow.
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Additional Resources
- Grice Connect: Gas Turbines at Plant Yates
- Wikipedia: Georgia Power
- Daily Energy Insider: Gas Combustion Turbines
- Google Search: Georgia Power Gas Turbines
- Fuel Cells Works: Hydrogen Ready Turbines
- Google Scholar: Georgia Power Plant Yates
- 11 Alive: Power Outages in West Georgia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Energy in Georgia
- WSB TV: Storms Sweep Through Metro Atlanta
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER 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.
