Report on Georgia Power’s Energy Storage Initiative and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

Georgia Power has initiated a Request for Proposals (RFP) for 500 MW of energy storage, a strategic move aligned with its 2022 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). This initiative is designed to enhance the reliability of the electric grid and significantly advance the integration of renewable energy sources. The project directly supports key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by fostering a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.

RFP Details and Strategic Objectives

The solicitation targets energy storage capacity to be brought online between 2028 and 2031. This effort is a critical component of Georgia Power’s strategy to build a cleaner and more reliable energy future.

• Required Capacity: 500 MW
• Discharge Duration: A minimum of two hours.
• Eligible Configurations:
  • Standalone energy storage systems with grid-charging capability.
  • Energy storage systems paired with new or existing renewable resources.
• Interconnection Requirement: All facilities must interconnect to the Southern Co. transmission system.

Project Timeline

The procurement process, managed by independent evaluator Ascend Analytics, follows a structured timeline to ensure regulatory compliance and timely project execution.

1. RFP Document Approval: Anticipated by December from regulators.
2. Proposal Submission Deadline: January 2026.
3. Contract Execution: Approximately one year following proposal submission.
4. Commercial Operation: No earlier than 2028 and no later than the end of 2031, with preference given to projects operational by November 28, 2031.

Contribution to SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

This initiative is a direct contribution to achieving SDG 7 by increasing the share of renewable energy and ensuring access to reliable power.

• Advancing Target 7.2: The 500 MW of battery storage will be crucial for integrating intermittent renewable sources, such as solar and wind, into the grid. This directly supports the goal of substantially increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• Supporting Target 7.1: By enhancing grid stability and reliability, the project helps ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services for communities in Georgia.
• Synergy with Renewable Projects: The RFP complements the recent Public Service Commission approval of 1,068 MW of new utility-scale solar projects, creating a robust ecosystem for clean energy generation and distribution.

Impact on SDG 9, 11, and 13

The deployment of advanced energy storage technology has far-reaching benefits that align with multiple global sustainability goals.

• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): The project represents a significant investment in building resilient infrastructure. The integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is an innovative technological upgrade that promotes sustainable industrialization and enhances grid resilience.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): A reliable and clean power grid is foundational for sustainable urban development. This initiative contributes to making cities and communities safer, more resilient, and sustainable by ensuring a stable energy supply.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): By enabling greater use of renewable energy, this project is a direct climate action measure. It facilitates the displacement of fossil fuel-based power generation, thereby contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Existing Infrastructure and Future Vision

Georgia Power is already advancing its energy storage capabilities, demonstrating a long-term commitment to a sustainable energy future.

• Current Operations: The utility operates the 65-MW Mossy Branch BESS, which began commercial operation in November 2024.
• Authorized Expansion: An additional 765 MW of storage capacity has been authorized by the Georgia PSC, with a projected in-service date of 2026.
• Strategic Outlook: The utility has stated that battery storage will “play a critical role in the power grid of the future, improving reliability and advancing sustainability.” This vision includes integrating BESS with smart grids and electric vehicles to optimize energy use and enhance overall grid resilience.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on Georgia Power’s energy initiatives addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its focus on renewable energy, energy storage, and grid infrastructure modernization.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: This is the most prominent SDG addressed. The article’s central theme is the procurement of clean energy technologies, specifically “1,068 MW” of new solar power and “500 MW of energy storage.” These efforts directly contribute to increasing the share of renewable energy and modernizing the power system.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The article highlights the goal of building resilient infrastructure. The initiative aims to “bolster the reliability of its electric grid” and “enhancing grid resilience” through the integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This represents an upgrade to critical energy infrastructure using innovative technology.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: By adding significant solar power capacity and energy storage to facilitate more renewables, Georgia Power is taking concrete steps to create a more sustainable energy mix. The utility notes that battery storage will play a role in “advancing sustainability,” which is a key component of climate action by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The mechanism for achieving these energy goals is a partnership. The article describes a “request for proposals” (RFP) process where Georgia Power, a major utility, solicits projects from “third-party companies.” This public-private partnership model is essential for mobilizing the investment and expertise needed for large-scale sustainable infrastructure projects.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the initiatives described, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 7.2: “By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.” The procurement of “1,068 MW” of new solar power is a direct action to increase the proportion of renewable energy in Georgia Power’s portfolio.
2. Target 7.b: “By 2030, expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services…” The plan to add 500 MW of battery storage and integrate it with “smart grids and electric vehicles” is a clear example of expanding and upgrading infrastructure with modern technology to support sustainable energy.
3. Target 9.1: “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure…” The stated purpose of the energy storage projects is to “bolster the reliability of its electric grid” and “enhancing grid resilience,” which directly aligns with this target.
4. Target 9.4: “By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies…” The adoption of large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) represents a technological upgrade to make the energy grid more sustainable and efficient.
5. Target 13.2: “Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.” The article states that these projects are part of the company’s “integrated resource plan approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission in 2022.” This demonstrates the formal integration of climate-friendly energy solutions into official utility planning and strategy.
6. Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…” The entire procurement process, where Georgia Power issues a “request for proposals” to be fulfilled by “third-party companies” and administered by an “independent evaluator,” exemplifies a structured public-private partnership to achieve sustainability goals.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article provides several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 7.2: The amount of new renewable energy capacity added. The article specifies this as “1,068 MW” from new solar power purchase agreements. This is a direct measure of the increase in renewable generation capacity.
• Indicator for Target 7.b & 9.4: The amount of energy storage capacity deployed. The article quantifies this with the “500 MW of energy storage” sought in the RFP and the “65-MW Mossy Branch BESS” already in operation. The technical specification that it must be able to “discharge for at least two hours” is also a key performance indicator.
• Indicator for Target 9.1: While grid reliability is not directly measured in the article, the deployment of 500 MW of energy storage serves as a proxy indicator for investment in grid resilience. The successful implementation of these projects would be a measure of progress.
• Indicator for Target 13.2: The existence and approval of the “integrated resource plan” (IRP) by the Georgia Public Service Commission is a key qualitative indicator. It confirms that strategies for sustainability and climate action are formally adopted and regulated.
• Indicator for Target 17.17: The number and total capacity of contracts successfully executed with third-party companies through the RFP process. The article notes a timeline where “proposals [are] due in January 2026 and contracts executed about a year later,” providing a clear milestone to track the success of the partnership.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: utilitydive.com