BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Alabama Power has announced plans to construct the state’s first utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) at the former Plant Gorgas site in Walker County, marking a significant step toward modernizing Alabama’s energy infrastructure.
The new Gorgas Battery Facility will feature lithium iron phosphate batteries capable of storing up to 150 megawatts (MW) of electricity—enough to power approximately 9,000 homes. The standalone 7-acre facility will connect directly to the electric grid, allowing it to store surplus energy during periods of low demand and discharge it when demand spikes. Construction is set to begin in 2025, with completion expected by 2027.
The project represents a sustainable reuse of the Plant Gorgas site, which operated as a coal-fired power plant from 1917 until its closure in 2019. By repurposing the historic site, Alabama Power aims to honor its legacy while embracing cleaner and more flexible energy solutions.
Battery storage systems like BESS provide numerous benefits. They enhance grid reliability by quickly responding to fluctuations in supply and demand, reducing the risk of outages. Additionally, they support the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind by storing excess power generated during peak production periods for use during lulls. This flexibility helps utilities reduce reliance on fossil fuels while maintaining a stable energy supply.
The Gorgas Battery Facility’s advanced lithium-ion technology offers a two-hour energy discharge duration and can fully recharge in just over two hours. This rapid cycling capability allows it to efficiently balance grid load and lower operational costs by charging during low-cost periods and discharging during high-cost times.
Experts view this development as a critical step toward a cleaner energy future. By enabling greater adoption of renewable energy and providing reserve power, BESS projects like this one can help pave the way for broader electrification efforts, including electric vehicle adoption.
Alabama Power officials have emphasized that this project is part of a broader strategy to explore innovative technologies that ensure reliable and affordable power for customers while reducing environmental impacts. As the state transitions away from coal-fired generation, investments in battery storage signal a commitment to sustainable energy solutions that benefit both the grid and local communities.