Georgia Power and leaders from the Robins Air Force Base have cut the ribbon on the Robins Battery Facility, the latest in a long line of energy storage installations to come online in the Peach State this year.

Located in Warner Robins, Georgia, the 128 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) site is just a few miles from the Air Force base, officials say. The facility can deliver energy to the state power grid for up to four hours, and promises to provide both energy reliability and flexibility to the state.

“Seeing the Robins Battery Facility enter commercial operation is an important milestone for Georgia Power and for the future of energy in our state,” says Rick Anderson, SVP and senior production officer of Georgia Power. “By pairing battery storage with solar generation, we’re creating a more flexible and resilient grid that can respond to customer needs during periods of peak demand while supporting Georgia’s continued growth.”

The ribbon cutting event, held in conjunction with both state and military officials, “reflected the strong partnerships that helped bring the project to life and highlighted its role in strengthening Georgia’s energy infrastructure.”

Representatives add that the new facility will support economic growth and investment in Macon-Bibb County, which sits near the state’s geographical center.

Matching nationwide trends in Georgia

The rise of battery storage throughout Georgia reflects a wider trend in the energy sector over the past few years. As data centers continue to come online and take up a larger share of the grid than ever before, and common utilities continue to electrify, reliable dispatchable energy options have become a top priority across the U.S.

The Robins Solar and Battery Facility is part of Georgia Power’s broader strategy to match this trend, adding cost-efficient energy resources throughout the Peach State. The site is one of four battery projects approved in the state’s 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) update, which accounts for 765 MW of battery storage systems across the state.

The Georgia Public Service Commission has further approved a set of nine additional battery facilities statewide, accounting for more than 3 GW worth of energy storage capacity. The state has also received approval for two solar facilities paired with battery storage, providing another 350 MW of generation capacity to the grid.

“Projects like this demonstrate how we are thoughtfully investing in innovative technologies and working alongside strong community and industry partners to deliver reliable, affordable energy for decades to come,” Anderson adds.

Tags: BESS, ESS, Georgia, Georgia Power, project, storage, utility-scale