In “Top 10” Georgia, Renewable Energy Becoming Standard

That “buzz” you hear is the remarkable story of renewable energy’s growth in Georgia, a story driven organically by our companies, consumers, and ratepayers.

This demand-led change is supported by legislation that is focused on paving the way for accelerated solar power development throughout the state.

You may be surprised to learn that Georgia is a “Top 10” solar installations state with enough installed solar capacity to power 310,257 homes. In fact, the largest operational solar PV plant in the Southeastern United States is located in Twiggs County, Georgia.

These days businesses from around the world are committing to using 100% clean energy in their operations. Large corporations in Georgia are going solar as well. Supported by our state’s cooperative General Assembly and forward-thinking Public Service Commission, companies are encouraged to add renewables to their power mix. Georgia’s energy solutions providers are helping to accelerate the development of renewable energy products. They also help to lower risk and reduce costs by providing access to innovative industry research, renewable natural resources and alternative energy crops, a global logistics “super network” and smart tax incentives.

Our utility partners, Georgia Power, Electric Cities of Georgia (ECG) and Georgia Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs), understand the economic value that solar PV adds to the state’s energy portfolio and are committed to growing our renewable portfolio by 250% within the next five years.

The growth in our renewable industry portfolio is paying off for our businesses and workforce. With a 30% increase in jobs over the previous year, Georgia was ranked No. 1 in solar jobs growth in the Solar Jobs Census 2019, published by the Solar Foundation. Additionally, Georgia came in sixth place in total solar manufacturing employment.

During their nationwide site selection process, Facebook required 100% new renewables to power their $750 million data center. Facebook’s data centers are among the most advanced, energy-efficient facilities in the world. The Georgia EMCs found a way to meet this requirement to power Facebook’s new Newton County Data Center with by 100% clean and renewable energy and use outdoor air instead of energy-intensive air conditioners for cooling.

Clean energy projects have resulted in investment and jobs across the state. For example, the solar panels used to power the Facebook Data Center in Newton County were manufactured at Hanwha Q CELLS in Dalton, Georgia, and installed in Early County in South Georgia.

Jobs in clean energy are the jobs of the future, and in addition to solar manufacturing, this includes solar project development and installation. We are focused on recruiting the technologies not just of today, but for tomorrow – and our University System of Georgia researchers are leading this cutting-edge move and supplying us with the workforce to do it.

Commissioner Pat Wilson was recently interviewed about Georgia’s approach during Clean Energy Week 2020. Watch what he had to say.

In today’s world, innovative and sustainable energy solutions are more pertinent than ever. Georgia is committed to helping manufacturers and tech companies build a strong ecosystem for all clean energy solutions: Currently, nearly 1 GW of additional utility-scale solar PV is planned to come online by the end of 2021, while bioenergy is projected to pump over $5 billion into the state economy over the next 10 years.

Want to learn more about Georgia’s renewable energy opportunities? Check out what we have to offer on our website, and start a conversation with Director Hank Evans by completing this form or calling 404-962-4034.

– Published November 17, 2020