Georgia Power Enhances Energy Capacity with New Plant Yates Turbines and Generators

Georgia Power Expands Capacity at Plant Yates

Georgia Power is making significant strides in enhancing its energy generation capacity with the ongoing development of new natural gas units at Plant Yates, located in Coweta County, Georgia. This facility, situated approximately an hour southwest of Atlanta, is undergoing expansion to meet the increasing energy needs of the state.

On December 15, 2025, the utility company marked a milestone by receiving the delivery of crucial components—namely the turbine and generator—for its new Unit 9 combustion turbine (CT). This achievement signifies a progressive step as part of a broader plan that includes the installation of three new advanced natural gas turbines at the plant, which recently received approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC).

The new units feature Mitsubishi Power's cutting-edge M501JAC simple-cycle gas combustion turbine along with Mitsubishi Electric Power's VP-X Series turbine generator, reflecting a commitment to employing state-of-the-art technology in energy production. To transport these large components, which each weigh nearly 350 tons and measure 50 feet long and 18 feet wide, a combination of rail and truck logistics was employed.

Construction of Units 8 and 9 was initiated in response to the state's growing demand for reliable energy sources, a trend established in Georgia Power’s 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The utility is keen on bringing these new gas units online by the close of 2027, providing an estimated capacity of 1,300 megawatts for Georgia Power customers when fully operational. Components for the preceding Unit 8 were delivered in August, while preparations for Unit 10’s components are set for early 2026 delivery.

The new Mitsubishi Power gas turbines are designed to surpass the efficiency and output of older CT models, effectively enhancing the plant’s performance. Notably, these turbines require shorter operational start-up times—approximately 30 minutes—and come with added flexibility, as they can also operate on oil if natural gas is unavailable, bolstering the reliability of Georgia's power supply. Moreover, there's potential for future adaptations that will allow these turbines to utilize a hydrogen mix as fuel, marking a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions associated with energy generation.

Historically, Plant Yates has played a pivotal role in supporting Georgia Power, launching operations in 1950 as a response to the post-World War II economic growth. In recent years, five out of the original seven coal-fired units were decommissioned and subsequently reconfigured to utilize natural gas. This latest expansion project aims to maintain that legacy while also providing necessary employment opportunities, projected to generate approximately 600 construction jobs and an eventual 15 permanent positions at the plant.

Natural gas accounts for nearly 40% of Georgia Power's annual energy output, evidencing its critical role in the company's generation strategy. As part of the ongoing efforts to meet Georgia's dynamic energy requirements, Georgia Power continues to collaborate with the PSC on its IRP.

The utility has also undergone upgrading processes at other plants, specifically combining cycle and simple-cycle enhancements at Plant McIntosh, further adding to its capacity. Plans are underway to propose five new combined cycle units that will strategically enhance grid reliability across the region.

To stay updated on Georgia Power's energy initiatives and how they contribute to a robust and diverse energy portfolio, interested parties can visit www.GeorgiaPower.com.

In conclusion, Georgia Power's expansion at Plant Yates not only signifies advancements in energy reliability and efficiency but also represents a vital commitment to meet the future energy demands of Georgia while fostering job creation and economic growth.