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Alabama Power develops the state’s first large-scale battery storage facility

Alabama Power will invest in a 150 MW battery energy storage system at the site of the former Gorgas power plant in Walker County, aiming to enhance the state’s electrical grid resilience.

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Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, has announced the construction of the state’s first large-scale battery energy storage system, with a capacity of 150 MW. This project, to be located at the site of the former Gorgas coal plant in Walker County, aims to store electricity generated by other Alabama Power facilities. With enough capacity to power around 9,000 homes, the new storage facility is expected to play a key role in managing electricity demand and stabilising the grid.

How the battery storage system will work

The Gorgas Battery Facility will be designed as an autonomous system, directly connected to the state’s electrical grid. The system will rely on lithium iron phosphate batteries, which will have a two-hour duration and can recharge in just over two hours. This rapid recharging capability will allow the grid to quickly respond to fluctuations in electricity demand.

Impact on costs and renewable energy integration

Brandon Dillard, Senior Vice President of Generation at Alabama Power, clarified that battery energy storage could reduce costs by allowing batteries to recharge when energy prices are low, and release that energy when prices rise. This technology is also expected to facilitate the integration of variable renewable energy sources, such as solar power, into Alabama Power’s generation mix.

Reusing the historic Plant Gorgas site

The decision to repurpose the Gorgas power plant site, which supplied electricity to the state for over a century, reflects the company’s commitment to sustainable solutions. Jill Stork, Vice President of Alabama Power’s Western Division, noted that this project is aimed at supporting both local communities and the state’s energy transition: “Repurposing this site is a testament to our commitment to the communities we have served for decades.”

Construction schedule and commissioning

Construction of the Gorgas Battery Facility is expected to begin in 2025, with a planned commissioning date of 2027. This project marks an important step for Alabama Power, which aims to enhance the state’s grid resilience through advanced energy storage technologies.

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