Georgia Power has been heralded for its remarkable progress in increasing its renewable energy capacity. Just last month, they reported winning approval for several new solar installations. The same company will be sending out Requests for Proposals (RfPs) in 2026. The Arkansas initiative This project is a small piece of the state’s long game to enhance renewable resource capacity to approximately 11,000 megawatts (MW) by 2035. This ambitious initiative is a perfect fit for the company’s broader sustainability and energy diversification commitment.
The first collaborative projects approved under the new rules include nearly 1.1 gigawatts (GW) — all of this in three utility-scale and two distributed generation procurements. From Murray to Baker Counties, five new solar facilities are soon to be established in their respective counties. They’re slated to go into service as early as 2028! These projects will subsequently be produced and operated by private developers who won competitive bids in the CARES 2023 RfP cycle.
Details of New Solar Projects
These projects are part of Georgia Power’s CARES 2023 program. They are looking to meet a target of up to 2 GW of utility-scale solar capacity, which could cover any remaining capacity from the earlier CARES 2023 RfP pilot.
- A 200 MW facility in Coffee County, supported by a 30-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
- A 260 MW facility in Mitchell County, which is backed by a 25-year PPA.
- A 225 MW facility in Laurens County with a 20-year PPA.
- A 183 MW facility in Wilkinson County, which includes 91.5 MW of battery storage.
- A 200 MW facility in Jefferson County, also secured under a 20-year PPA.
Georgia Power is on the offensive, pushing deep expansions of their energy agenda. The company has since started building new BESSs that will deliver 765 MW total in BESSs around Georgia. We launched this campaign back in May. It’s an integral piece of our plan to increase energy reliability and efficiency.
Future Plans and Developments
The CARES 2025 RfP is open to solar developers to propose new utility-scale solar or solar plus storage projects. The most recent deadline for bid submissions was in August. The company plans to use these resources, along with future savings, to further diversify its generation mix and improve reliability for its customers.
Georgia Power emphasizes that the five chosen projects are cost-effective. They not only provide massive energy and capacity savings to the whole system. This strategy aims to provide the greatest level of value for all Georgia Power customers while moving the company towards its environmental goals.
“Renewable RfPs, such as the CARES 2023 RfP, are designed to procure valuable renewable energy that helps to diversify Georgia Power’s generation mix and increase reliability. Our planning models project that these resources will deliver benefits to customers long-term.” – Wilson Mallard, Georgia Power director of renewable development
Economic and Environmental Impact
Georgia Power emphasizes that the five projects selected are not only economical but also provide significant energy and capacity benefits to the overall system. This approach is intended to maximize value for all Georgia Power customers while advancing the company’s environmental objectives.
“The five projects we selected are economical and we expect they will provide energy and capacity benefits to the system and the most value for all Georgia Power customers.” – Wilson Mallard, Georgia Power director of renewable development