Georgia Power requests certification of approximately 9,900 MW of new resources from the Georgia Public Service Commission

Core Viewpoint - Georgia Power is expanding its energy mix to meet the growing energy needs of Georgia, with a focus on reliability and economic efficiency through a diverse range of resources including natural gas, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and solar energy [1][3]. Group 1: New Resource Certification - Georgia Power has requested certification from the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) for approximately 9,900 megawatts (MW) of new resources, primarily sourced from an "all-source" request for proposals (RFP) [1]. - The majority of the resources, about 8,000 MW, were selected based on bids from the RFP, which was approved in the 2022 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) [1][2]. - The company is also seeking approval for an additional 1,886 MW of supplemental resources to meet near-term energy needs not covered by the initial RFP [2]. Group 2: Natural Gas and Emission Reduction - Georgia Power is incorporating cleaner natural gas into its generation mix, which has led to a reduction in overall carbon emissions by over 60% since 2007 [4]. - The filings include a request to certify five new combined cycle (CC) units totaling 3,692 MW, strategically located to ensure grid stability and support economic growth [4]. Group 3: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) - The company is actively integrating BESS technology to enhance the reliability and resilience of the electric system, allowing for better management of renewable energy resources [5]. - Construction is underway for 765 MW of new BESS across Georgia, with additional requests for 10 new BESS facilities totaling 3,022.5 MW [6]. - The new BESS facilities will be strategically placed to maximize efficiency and reliability, with projects including solar energy integration [7]. Group 4: Project Details - Specific projects include: - Plant Bowen: Two CCs with a combined capacity of 1,482 MW [6]. - Plant McIntosh: One CC with a capacity of 757 MW [6]. - Plant Wansley: Two CCs with a combined capacity of 1,453 MW [6]. - Additional projects include eleven PPAs totaling 2,821 MW for new BESS facilities and natural gas generation [7].