Alabama Power is set to develop the state’s first large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) at the former Plant Gorgas site in Walker County. This site, which reliably powered Alabama for over a century, will now be home to the Gorgas Battery Facility, a project designed to enhance energy reliability and support the integration of clean energy sources.
The facility will have a capacity of 150 megawatts (MW), enough to power approximately 9,000 homes. It will span seven acres and function as a standalone system, meaning it will connect directly to the electric grid to store and distribute electricity as needed. The stored energy will come from various Alabama Power generation resources.
Jeff Peoples, Alabama Power Chairman, President and CEO, said in a statement, “This facility will help Alabama Power understand how we can best use battery systems on our electric grid so that customers have power when they need it. The project honors Plant Gorgas’ legacy, which has played a significant role in powering the state of Alabama since 1917.”
Brandon Dillard, senior vice president of Generation, mentioned “Batteries can charge when energy costs are lower and discharge when energy costs are higher, helping keep costs down. They can also supply energy to our system quickly in response to changing conditions. We are excited to learn how battery storage technology best fits into our system to reliably serve our customers.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with completion expected by 2027. The system will use lithium iron phosphate batteries, which can store energy for up to two hours and recharge in just over two hours. These batteries will play a key role in strengthening the electric grid, especially during peak demand periods.
“As we work to make our system stronger and smarter, innovative technologies such as battery storage could help ensure a steady energy supply,” Dillard added.
Jill Stork, vice president of Western Division, also added “Plant Gorgas and Walker County hold a special place in our company’s history. The reuse of this site reaffirms our support of the communities we have long served, ensuring sustainable solutions that honor our past while looking to the future.”
Beyond improving energy reliability, battery storage also helps integrate more renewable energy sources, such as solar power, by balancing fluctuations in energy supply due to weather changes. By repurposing the retired Plant Gorgas site, Alabama Power is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable solutions while continuing to support the local community.
