News Summary
Georgia Power has issued a draft RFP for 500 MW of energy storage aimed at enhancing electric grid reliability and sustainability. The proposals must meet specific requirements and be connected to the Southern Company transmission system. This initiative is part of Georgia Power’s integrated resource plan approved by the PSC, which outlines its strategy to meet increasing energy demands and integrate renewable resources. A bidders conference is scheduled, and contracts are expected to be finalized in 2027, reinforcing Georgia Power’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Atlanta, Georgia – Georgia Power has announced a draft request for proposals (RFP) seeking 500 megawatts (MW) of energy storage with an expected online date between 2028 and 2031. This significant move aims to enhance the reliability of the electric grid and promote sustainability across its operations. The RFP stipulates that the energy storage solutions must be capable of discharging power for at least two hours, ensuring they meet specific reliability requirements.
The energy storage resources sourced from this RFP are designed to be integrated within the Georgia Power framework, and preference will be given to projects that can come online by November 28, 2031. Bidders must note that proposals will only be accepted for facilities connected to the Southern Company transmission system, with additional restrictions in place for submissions involving Georgia Power property.
This RFP is part of Georgia Power’s broader integrated resource plan (IRP), which was approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2022. The IRP outlines the company’s strategy to accommodate an increasing electrical demand in Georgia, estimating an additional load of 8.2 gigawatts (GW) over the next six years. In line with this plan, Georgia Power aims to add a total of 4 GW of renewable resources by 2035, reaching an approximate total of 11 GW within its energy portfolio.
In a further commitment to renewable energy, the PSC has also recently approved five new utility-scale solar power purchase agreements that will provide Georgia Power with an additional 1,068 MW from third-party companies. This reflects the utility’s strategic focus on bolstering renewable energy sources alongside developing reliable energy storage solutions.
The administration of the storage RFP will be conducted by the independent evaluator, Ascend Analytics, with a bidders conference slated for September 29, 2025. Regulatory approval for the RFP documents is anticipated in December 2025, followed by a deadline for proposals due in January 2026. Contracts are expected to be finalized about a year later, aligning with Georgia Power’s timeline for integrating new energy solutions.
Georgia Power is seeking both standalone energy storage systems with grid-charging capabilities and storage that is paired with renewable energy resources. Currently, the utility operates a 65-MW battery energy storage system in Talbot County, which began operations in November 2024, with an additional 765 MW of battery storage authorized and projected to be operational by 2026. This ongoing development emphasizes the critical role of battery storage in advancing grid reliability and supporting sustainability efforts.
Moreover, Georgia Power plans to proactively enhance its energy storage projects by proposing longer duration energy storage with a target of adding 3,000 MW per year of 4-hour energy storage starting in 2028. This initiative aligns with the utility’s goals to integrate battery energy storage systems (BESS) with emerging technologies such as smart grids and electric vehicles, thereby optimizing energy capabilities and improving grid resilience.
As Georgia Power continues to evolve its energy landscape, these strategic moves toward energy storage and renewable sourcing solidify its commitment to meeting future power demands while adhering to sustainability principles and enhancing grid reliability.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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- Futunn: Georgia Power 2025 Energy Storage RFP Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Battery
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- Google News: Georgia Power Battery Storage
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
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