Georgia Power Secures Approval for New Solar Facilities to Enhance Renewable Energy Supply

Georgia Power Expands Renewable Energy Initiatives

Georgia Power recently announced that it has received official approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) to advance five new utility-scale solar facilities, a strategic move aimed at enhancing the company's renewable energy offerings and providing significant benefits to its customers through the Clean and Renewable Energy Subscription (CARES) 2023 program. The total capacity for these new facilities will be a remarkable 1,068 megawatts (MW), setting the stage for an impressive boost in solar energy generation within the state.

The CARES 2023 Program

The CARES program is geared towards facilitating eligible commercial and industrial customers in their sustainability efforts by allowing them to purchase shares of renewable energy resources. With an increasing number of businesses aiming to integrate greener practices into their operations, the demand for such subscriptions has grown significantly. Georgia Power's director of renewable development, Wilson Mallard, emphasized that the aim of initiatives like the CARES 2023 Request for Proposals (RFP) is not only to diversify the energy generation mix but also to improve reliability for all customers. Mallard stated, "The five projects we selected are economical and we expect they will provide energy and capacity benefits to the system and the most value for all Georgia Power customers."

Details of the New Solar Facilities

The various solar facilities have been selected following a competitive solicitation process administered by an independent evaluator and PSC staff, ensuring transparency and accountability in the procurement process. Each of the five new power purchase agreements (PPAs) will operate under different terms and capacities at varied locations throughout Georgia, as detailed below:

1. Mitchell County: A 25-year PPA providing 260 MW of solar capacity.
2. Coffee County: A 30-year PPA delivering 200 MW of solar capacity.
3. Wilkinson County: A 20-year PPA that includes 183 MW of solar capacity, paired with a 91.5 MW battery storage system.
4. Jefferson County: A 20-year PPA with an output of 200 MW.
5. Laurens County: A 20-year PPA providing 225 MW of solar capacity.

These projects signify Georgia Power's ongoing commitment to finding economically viable renewable energy solutions that not only meet current demands but also prepare the company for future growth in the energy sector.

Looking Ahead: Future Initiatives

Georgia Power is actively pursuing additional renewable resources as part of its strategy to bolster its diversified generation portfolio. The company has outlined plans to implement further renewable energy projects and expects to issue a CARES 2025 RFP, to invite bids for utility-scale solar and storage solutions. By 2035, Georgia Power aims to procure up to 4,000 MW of renewable resources as outlined in its approved 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which indicates the company’s drive to adapt to market changes while ensuring reliability in energy delivery.

With the forecasted commercial operation dates for these new projects set within the next few years, Georgia Power is actively laying foundations for a greener and more sustainable energy landscape in Georgia. This commitment not only aligns with the burgeoning trend of sustainability among corporations but also highlights the company's dedication to providing reliable, clean, and affordable energy to its over 2.8 million customers across Georgia.

For continuous updates on Georgia Power's initiatives, you can explore more through their official website at Georgia Power or follow them on social media platforms.

Conclusion

The approval of these five utility-scale solar facilities marks a significant milestone in Georgia Power’s efforts to transition towards renewable energy solutions. As the demand for sustainable energy options rises, company initiatives such as the CARES program are vital in meeting customer expectations and contributing to the state’s energy goals. Through a commitment to developing a diverse generation mix, Georgia Power is poised to be a leader in the renewable energy sector within the region.