Georgia Power's first battery energy storage system reaches commercial operation

Core Insights - Georgia Power has launched its first grid-connected battery energy storage system (BESS) at the Mossy Branch facility, which has a capacity of 65 megawatts (MW) and can supply energy back to the grid for four hours, enhancing the resilience of Georgia's electric grid [1][3][4] Group 1: Project Overview - The Mossy Branch Battery Energy Storage System was approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission as part of Georgia Power's 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) [3] - The facility is designed to connect directly with the electric grid, allowing it to charge and discharge energy efficiently [2][3] - The project aims to improve the reliability of the electric system and support renewable energy resources by storing excess energy for later use [3] Group 2: Strategic Importance - Kim Greene, Georgia Power's CEO, emphasized the importance of battery energy storage in making the grid more reliable, especially during extreme weather events [4] - The Mossy Branch facility represents a significant milestone in Georgia Power's collaboration with the Georgia PSC to enhance the state's power grid [4] Group 3: Future Developments - Georgia Power is actively developing additional BESS projects, including a 265 MW project in Cherokee County expected to be operational by the end of 2026 [5] - The company plans to procure an additional 1,000 MW of battery energy storage through competitive bidding processes in the coming years [6] - Recently announced projects include 500 MW of new BESS, with specific capacities located near military bases and other strategic sites [6]