Georgia Power has officially begun construction of a new 260-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) in Jefferson County, Georgia. Located near the City of Wadley, this facility is poised to enhance the electric grid and support the region's growing renewable energy capabilities.
The Wadley BESS, positioned adjacent to an existing third-party-owned solar facility and close to transmission infrastructure, is designed to store and dispatch energy efficiently. Once operational, it will be capable of delivering stored energy over a four-hour period, offering flexibility and reliability to meet energy demands. The project is being constructed by engineering and construction firm Burns & McDonnell.
The project has received a warm welcome from local leaders and community members. Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Chairman Mitchell McGraw expressed gratitude for Georgia Power’s investment in the area, stating: "On behalf of the Jefferson County community, we welcome this Georgia Power project. We’re so proud to have your investment in Jefferson County, and we hope for more in the future."
A groundbreaking ceremony brought together members of the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners, the Wadley City Council, Georgia Power representatives, and various community partners to mark this significant milestone.
Battery energy storage systems like the Wadley BESS play a crucial role in capturing power generated by renewable sources for use during peak demand periods. This is particularly beneficial during high-consumption times, such as cold winter mornings. Additionally, the system aligns with Georgia’s 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to address the state’s growing power needs in a cost-effective manner.
Kerry Bridges, region executive for Georgia Power, emphasized the importance of this project: "At Georgia Power, our collaboration with the Georgia PSC and other stakeholders is key to making necessary investments for a reliable and resilient power grid. With the construction of the 260 MW BESS in Jefferson County, we are able to better serve our customers today and support Georgia’s growth. As we expand our energy mix to include more renewable sources, these batteries will play an invaluable role in helping ensure reliability and flexibility, particularly when renewable sources are not available."
The Wadley BESS is part of a larger initiative to expand energy storage infrastructure across Georgia. Georgia Power is nearing completion of four additional BESS facilities in Bibb, Cherokee, Floyd, and Lowndes counties, which collectively total 765 MW. Furthermore, the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) has approved the construction of nine new BESS facilities across seven sites, adding nearly 3,000 MW of planned storage capacity. These sites include locations at Plants Bowen, Hammond, McIntosh, Wansley, and Yates, as well as in Hall and McDuffie counties.
The Wadley BESS project is scheduled for completion in 2027, marking a critical step in Georgia Power’s efforts to modernize the grid and support the state’s transition toward renewable energy resources.
