Georgia regulators have greenlit a significant expansion of natural gas power plants, a move that could notably heighten the state’s climate pollution. This decision primarily supports the rapid growth of data centers in Georgia.
In December, Georgia’s Public Service Commission approved additions to nine natural gas facilities linked to Georgia Power. Environmental groups have voiced strong objections, deeming this expansion unnecessary and potentially locking the state into a future of high emissions.
Jennifer Whitfield, a senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, expressed frustration, saying, “This approval sets us back in our climate progress.” She highlighted the state had been making gradual improvements until now.
The expansion aims to add about 10 gigawatts to Georgia’s power grid by 2031, amounting to nearly half of the current capacity. Georgia Power plans to invest over $16 billion into new infrastructure while expecting hefty financial returns.
The demand for power is driven mainly by a surge in data centers, as highlighted by Georgia Power and the commission. However, groups such as the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy argue there’s little justification for the added capacity.
Approximately 60% of the new capacity will rely on natural gas, with the rest coming from battery storage and two solar projects.
An Increase in Emissions
Big expansions will occur at Georgia Power’s Bowen, Wansley, and McIntosh plants, which together account for more than half of the new gas capacity. If these new turbines run at full capacity, they could produce around 13.8 million metric tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to the emissions from over 3 million cars. This increase would boost Georgia’s total emissions by over 13%.
The overall impact could exceed 20 million metric tons of CO2 annually when accounting for additional expansions backed by Georgia Power.
In defending the expansion, Georgia Power argues that its diverse energy sources have led to a significant reduction in overall carbon emissions—over 60% since 2007. The PSC noted that it considered various testimony and evidence, including environmental concerns, before approving the plan.
Comparisons to Other States
Georgia Power’s natural gas expansion is among the most extensive in the nation. For context, Texas is also experiencing a surge in natural gas projects, adding 7.65 gigawatts to support similar data center demands. Meanwhile, Dominion Energy plans to integrate about 5.9 gigawatts of natural gas generation alongside a significant investment in renewable energy.
Health and Environmental Concerns
Environmental advocates warn that the expansion could worsen air quality and pose health risks, especially near populated areas. The Bowen plant alone is projected to emit significant amounts of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to smog and respiratory illnesses.
Whitfield stresses the urgency of the situation: “Much of this infrastructure is being built in the already polluted Atlanta metro area, adding to a very real health threat.” Furthermore, the McIntosh expansion would place additional pollution risk near the ecologically sensitive Savannah National Wildlife Refuge.
Natural gas plants typically operate for about 50 years, extending reliance on fossil fuels beyond 2050. This raises concerns that Georgians might end up paying for these assets long after they are outmoded.
A coalition of environmental groups has officially requested the PSC to reconsider its decision. A ruling on this petition is expected soon.
If Georgia Power’s expansion plan proceeds, it could reverse decades of emissions reductions that have been facilitated by an increase in renewable energy sources and the retirement of coal plants. As the state moves forward, the choices made today will have lasting impacts on climate goals and public health.
For more insights into energy policies and their implications, check out Inside Climate News.
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