Benzinga | Oct 7, 2021 03:46PM EDT

Georgia Power Announced it Will Launch First Battery Energy Storage System on State's Transmission Grid

Georgia Power has received approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) to build, own, and operate a new battery energy storage system. Known as the Mossy Branch Battery Facility, the grid-charging battery system is located on 2.5-acres in Talbot County, near Columbus, Georgia. This innovative facility will be the first standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on the Georgia Integrated Transmission System and represents a key milestone in the company's efforts toward a more sustainable energy future. The 65 MW/260 MWh system is part of a larger 80 MW BESS portfolio approved in the Company's 2019 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).

Georgia Power logo. (PRNewsFoto/Georgia Power)

"It is an exciting time to be working on new ways to maximize the value of sustainable, renewable energy and the addition of battery storage complements and enhances the value of renewable generation. Developing storage technologies of this magnitude will help us to continue meeting our customers' needs," said Georgia Power Renewable Development Director Wilson Mallard. "The Mossy Branch project will help the company evaluate the value and benefits battery storage provides to the electric system, as well as learn how to optimize operation and maintenance of the BESS facilities."

The Mossy Branch Battery Facility will be designed as a standalone unit that will connect to and charge directly from the electric transmission grid the interconnected system of high voltage wires and equipment that moves large amounts of electricity across the state.

The company has selected Wrtsil to provide this new facility's Engineering, Procurement, and Construction services