Also critical to the state’s energy landscape, Plant Yates is in the middle of a $200 million upgrade to triple its power generation output. Soon to be joined by three other units, the plant is expected to produce a total of 1.3 gigawatts (GW) of capacity. This program dovetails beautifully with the state’s stated priority of addressing growing energy needs while moving towards a cleaner energy future.
In August, the arrival of components for Unit 8 signaled a key milestone in the plant’s modernization efforts. This unit, as well as many others in the pipeline, is set to usher in a new era of efficiency and reliability. Components for Unit 10 should start arriving by early 2026. This will only sharpen the plant’s focus on living up to its namesake’s mission of broadening its capabilities.
Efficiency and Capacity Improvements
The three new units at Plant Yates utilize state-of-the-art technology. In fact, they’ve reached a stunning 99% efficiency rate! This incredible degree of efficiency ensures that they produce as much as possible while wasting as little as possible. It’s a great testament to the plant’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Before these upgrades, five of the seven original units were retired in 2014, limiting the plant’s ability to operate. Yet, at the same time, two of these units were successfully converted for natural gas generation over the course of that same year. This transition not only enhanced performance but more importantly matched the time with the direction energy production was heading in the modern era.
One of the most groundbreaking features of the modified units are the three VP-X generators, all hydrogen-cooled. Each generator is rated at 583 megavolt amperes, underscoring the need for so much energy at once. Additionally, each turbine installed is remarkably robust, weighing nearly 350 tons and measuring 50 feet in length and 18 feet in width.
Future Expansion Plans
At the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC), the majority has approved three additional CTs at Plant Yates. This move is the latest step in a series of transformational improvements detailed in the 2023 Integrated Resource Plan Update. We would like to see these turbines operational by the end of 2027. They will dramatically increase the plant’s energy production and value, while improving energy reliability and resource efficiency.
That’s why their installation of these CTs is so critical to answer the growing energy burdens throughout Georgia. And with unprecedented population growth and industrial expansion in the region, the demand for more reliable sources of power is growing in importance. The upgrades at Plant Yates are a proactive measure to ensure that the state’s energy infrastructure can support future needs.
Commitment to Sustainability
The improvements at Plant Yates aren’t just about generating more power. All of those new megawatts are cleaner and more sustainable. Moving to more efficient and cleaner technologies is a big step to address the energy industry’s environmental footprint while continuing to provide the energy people need and want.
Plant Yates is positioning itself as a key contributor to Georgia’s energy landscape, adapting to changing demands and embracing advancements in technology. With these exciting developments continuing to advance here, it recently passed to continue playing a vital role in shaping the energy future of our state.