ATLANTA, June 16, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power
today announced, in collaboration with Georgia
Tech, the opening of the 1.4 MW microgrid project in Tech
Square at Spring and 5th streets in Metro Atlanta.
Microgrids are self-contained power systems co-located with the
facilities they serve that include generation resources, storage
systems and energy management systems.
The Tech Square Microgrid, which was approved by the Georgia
Public Service Commission in the company's Integrated Resource
Plan, is being used to evaluate how a microgrid can effectively
integrate into and operate as part of the overall electrical grid.
Additionally, it will serve as a living laboratory for Georgia Tech professors and students who will use
the asset to gather data on controllers, cybersecurity devices and
energy economics.
"The Tech Square Microgrid is a proven innovative project that
will help us better understand microgrids to help service our
customers. It brings energy storage and data front and center for
research. The Microgrid's distributed energy resources are vital to
enhancing grid resiliency and bringing sustainable energy solutions
to Georgia's communities," said Chris
Womack, chairman, president and CEO for Georgia Power.
"Georgia Tech is one of the nation's
leading research institutions and has been an integral partner in
allowing their students and teachers to learn how these systems
will interact not only with our grid, but also with the CODA
building on the Georgia Tech campus.
It's by collectively working together through projects like this
that we will build a brighter energy future for our state."
The microgrid will provide Georgia Power with insight on how
smart energy management systems, such as the one installed at the
CODA data center, can interact with the grid to achieve optimal
utilization of energy. In addition, it will also provide teaching
and learning opportunities for Georgia
Tech professors and students.
"Georgia Tech is committed to
addressing the most consequential challenges of our time," said
Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera.
"That involves advancing science and technology, developing leaders
who can create and deploy new solutions, and leading by example
with our own practices. This microgrid is a great illustration of
the latter. In our partnership with Georgia Power and the Georgia
Public Service Commission, we will be developing and adopting some
of the most advanced, efficient, and responsible energy solutions
available in the hope we can serve as an example for others."
The installation includes fuel cells, battery storage, diesel
generators and a natural gas generator, and it is adaptive to new
and additional distributed energy resources. It is designed to also
accommodate microturbines, solar panels and electric vehicle
chargers in the future. All components will be placed on a platform
and obscured from view with seven-foot-high fencing and gate access
along Williams Street in Atlanta.
The fencing will have a mural designed and commissioned by
Atlanta based artist Georgia F. Baker III to be finished later this
year.
About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern
Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value,
Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones
of the company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four
of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe,
reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average,
Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that
includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such
as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on
delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the
company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in
customer satisfaction. For more information, visit
www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook
(Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and
Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
About Georgia Tech
The Georgia Institute of Technology, or
Georgia Tech, is a top 10 public
research university developing leaders who advance technology and
improve the human condition. The Institute offers business,
computing, design, engineering, liberal arts, and sciences degrees.
Its nearly 40,000 students, representing 50 states and 149
countries, study at the main campus in Atlanta, at campuses in France and China, and through distance and online
learning. As a leading technological university, Georgia Tech is an engine of economic development
for Georgia, the Southeast, and the nation, conducting more than
$1 billion in research annually for
government, industry, and society.
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SOURCE Georgia Power