Georgia Power to build microgrid in Atlanta in collaboration with Georgia Tech

Georgia Power is working with Georgia Tech to open a 1.4 MW microgrid project in Atlanta.

The microgrids will be located in Tech Square at Spring and 5th streets in Metro Atlanta. The Tech Square Microgrid is being used to evaluate how a microgrid can effectively integrate into and operate as part of the overall electrical grid. Further, it will serve as a living laboratory for Georgia Tech professors and students who will use it 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,” Chris Womack, chairman, president and CEO for Georgia Power, said. “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 installation includes fuel cells, battery storage, diesel generators, and a natural gas generator and can be adapted to new and additional distributed energy resources. It is also designed to accommodate microturbines, solar panels, and electric vehicle chargers in the future.

“Georgia Tech is committed to addressing the most consequential challenges of our time,” Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera said. “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.”