Alabama Power is set to develop the state’s first utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) at the former Plant Gorgas site in Walker County. The Gorgas Battery Facility is projected to store up to 150 megawatts (MW) of electricity generated by various Alabama Power resources, a capacity sufficient to supply approximately 9,000 homes.
“This facility will help Alabama Power understand how we can best use battery systems on our electric grid so that customers have power when they need it,” said Jeff Peoples, Alabama Power Chairman, President and CEO. “The project honors Plant Gorgas’ legacy, which has played a significant role in powering the state of Alabama since 1917.”
Spanning seven acres, the standalone facility will connect directly to the electric grid, enabling it to charge and discharge energy as required. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2025, with completion expected by 2027. The system will employ lithium-ion phosphate batteries with a two-hour duration and the capability to recharge in just over two hours.
“Batteries can charge when energy costs are lower and discharge when energy costs are higher, helping keep costs down. They can also supply energy to our system quickly in response to changing conditions,” said Brandon Dillard, senior vice president of Generation. “We are excited to learn how battery storage technology best fits into our system to reliably serve our customers.”
The integration of battery storage technology is also anticipated to support the incorporation of more clean energy resources into Alabama Power’s generation mix. This is particularly relevant for variable, weather-dependent sources like solar energy, where battery storage can provide the necessary balance and support.
“As we work to make our system stronger and smarter, innovative technologies such as battery storage could help ensure a steady energy supply,” Dillard added.
“Plant Gorgas and Walker County hold a special place in our company’s history,” said Jill Stork, vice president of Western Division. “The reuse of this site reaffirms our support of the communities we have long served, ensuring sustainable solutions that honor our past while looking to the future.”
The development of the Gorgas Battery Facility reflects Alabama Power’s strategic efforts to modernize its grid infrastructure and embrace innovative technologies that ensure a reliable and sustainable energy future for its customers.
Source: PR Newswire
