Utility Alabama Power will develop the state’s first utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) in Walker County, Alabama, US.
The 150MW BESS will be built on a site that previously belonged to the Gorgas coal plant, which was retired in 2019.
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Construction is expected to begin sometime this year with an estimated completion of 2027. The 2-hour duration BESS will use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
The seven-acre facility will be designed as a standalone system that will connect to and charge directly from the electric grid.
While Alabama does not have a state-mandated clean energy goal, Alabama Power has set a goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, placing particular emphasis on nuclear and hydro power.
Jeff Peoples, Alabama Power Chairman, President and CEO, said of the announced BESS:
“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.”
Alabama Power operates the Joseph M. Farley nuclear plant, which the utility company says is responsible for generating 18% of its total electricity. The rest of the company’s electricity generation comes from natural gas, coal and a mix of solar and wind sources.
Last year, EPRI, Southern Company and Storworks completed testing of a concrete thermal energy storage pilot project at a gas plant in Alabama, claimed at the time as the largest of its kind in the world.
The state is also home to a lithium battery recycling plant from Li-Cycle. Located in Tuscaloosa, AL, Li-Cycyle’s ‘spoke’ plant for battery processing and shredding was announced in 2021.
