Alabama’s first utility-scale battery storage system coming to Walker County

Alabama Power is building the state’s first utility-scale battery energy storage system at the former Plant Gorgas in Walker County.

According to the company, the 7-acre facility will be designed as a standalone system that will connect to and charge directly from the electric grid—the interconnected system of high-voltage wires and equipment that moves large amounts of electricity across the state.

The battery facility will store up to 150 MW of electricity generated by other Alabama Power resources. 

150 MW is equivalent to the capacity needed to power about 9,000 homes. The lithium-ion phosphate batteries that will make up the system will have a 2-hour duration, with the ability to recharge in a little over 2 hours.

Batteries support clean energy

“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.”

Brandon Dillard, Senior Vice President of Generation

For customers who are interested in clean energy, batteries help integrate weather-dependent resources like solar power into the company’s overall generation mix.

Reuse of Alabama Power’s Plant Gorges

Alabama Power is also excited that it is reusing Plant Gorgas, a facility that first started producing power in 1917.

“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.”

Jill Stork, Vice President of Western Division

Construction of the battery energy storage system will begin in 2025, with estimated completion by 2027.

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