Georgia Power’s betting big on Tesla’s battery technology with a massive energy storage project that’ll span four counties across the state. The utility company plans to build 500 megawatts of battery storage across four sites, using Tesla’s Megapack 2XL units. These lithium-iron phosphate batteries will store enough electricity to power hundreds of thousands of homes during peak demand periods.
Georgia Power goes all-in on Tesla Megapacks with 500MW storage across four counties
The four projects include the 265-megawatt McGrau Ford Phase II in Cherokee County, the 128-megawatt Robins facility in Bibb County, the 57.5-megawatt Hammond site in Floyd County, and the 49.5-megawatt Moody project in Lowndes County. Tesla will manufacture all the battery units at its Lathrop, California facility. Each location was chosen for its proximity to existing power infrastructure and renewable energy zones.
Georgia’s Public Service Commission approved the projects unanimously in December 2024, though many project details remain hidden from public view due to trade secret protections. The commission didn’t discuss the approval during their meeting, raising questions about transparency in the regulatory process. Georgia Power must submit quarterly reports to the commission detailing construction progress and spending throughout the build-out phase.
Construction is already underway, with Burns and McDonnell handling the Robins project and Crowder managing the Moody site. All four facilities should be operational by 2026. The Moody project will connect directly to solar panels, storing excess energy generated during sunny periods for use when the sun isn’t shining.
These battery systems will help Georgia Power manage its electric grid more efficiently. They’ll store power when demand is low and release it during peak hours, particularly on cold mornings and hot afternoons when air conditioners and heaters strain the system. The four-hour storage capability allows the utility to avoid firing up expensive and polluting gas plants during these high-demand periods. The automated systems will optimize real-time energy distribution across the grid based on demand patterns and weather conditions.
The projects follow Georgia Power’s first battery storage facility at Mossy Branch, which began operating in 2024. They’re part of a larger national trend, with the American Clean Power Association targeting $100 billion in battery investments by 2030.
Georgia’s growing battery manufacturing sector, which includes SK On and Hyundai-LG ventures, positions the state as a key player in America’s energy storage future.