Panola Grove Battery Energy Storage Project
GA
Rockdale County
200
MW BESS (Battery Energy Storage System)
15
Approximate Acres of Project
160,000
Homes
Supports grid reliability during peak demand or outages by powering roughly 160,000 homes for up to 4 hours.
*Image for reference of another GA Storage site, and not of the actual Panola Grove site. The Panola Grove Project has not started construction.
The Panola Grove BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) Project is a proposed facility designed to enhance the reliability and resilience of the power grid. As the region continues to grow, this project will help ensure a consistent supply of electricity—especially during periods of high demand or unexpected outages. It’s thoughtfully designed with community awareness in mind, maintaining a low profile, and integrating into the natural surroundings as much as possible.
What do Battery Storage Projects Look Like
Physically, battery storage projects often resemble small storage units. Here's what they typically include:
Battery Containers: These are usually modular units housed in containers similar to shipping containers or small storage units. Each container holds racks of battery cells (often lithium-ion), along with thermal management and safety systems.
Inverters and Transformers: These convert Direct Current (“DC”) electricity from the batteries into Alternating Current (“AC”) electricity for grid use and vice versa.
Control Systems: These manage battery charging/discharging, safety protocols, and grid communication and exist within and outside the containers.
Cooling Systems: Batteries generate heat, so HVAC units and liquid cooling systems are often visible on the containers.
Security and Safety Infrastructure: Fencing, surveillance, fire suppression systems, and signage are standard.
Panola Grove Project Status
Why this location?
Rockdale County is a region of growing energy demand. This location was identified because:
Close to existing power infrastructure, so there’s no need to build new transmission lines
Supports growing energy needs in this fast-developing part of the region
Careful siting, based on ecological and environmental studies
Opportunities to support local job force and community partnerships
Designed to meet all safety and permitting requirements at the local, state, and federal levels
Strengthens the power grid, helping keep energy reliable during high demand or outages
We recognize that recent events have raised environmental concerns in the community.
Our goal is to share information transparently, collaborate with local officials, and develop safe, responsible practices that reflect the community’s values and priorities.
Investing in the Community
Here’s how the Panola Grove BESS Project will bring local economic growth:
Improved Grid Reliability: Helps prevent blackouts and brownouts during extreme weather or equipment failures.
Lower Energy Costs: Reduces the need for expensive peak-time energy generation.
Reinforcing Resilience: Supports the region’s ability to sustain new development, including advanced industries like data centers.
Low-Impact: No emissions, minimal noise, and no ongoing traffic once operational.
Local Economic Boost: Long-term substantial property tax revenues, construction jobs and increased business for local shops and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are battery storage systems designed to manage fire safety?
Battery storage systems are designed with safety in mind. In the rare event of a fire, many systems now let small fires burn out safely inside individual enclosures. This approach reduces the risk of reignition and major damage. Ventilation helps prevent gas buildup, and monitoring systems detect hazards early. The industry continues to improve safety and works closely with first responders on training. Learn more about UL 9540A testing.
How do energy storage facilities work with first responder safety?
Treaty Oak intends to follow national best practices and create detailed emergency response plans tailored to the project. These plans are typically developed with first responders and cover scenarios like fires, extreme weather, and security issues. They also include expert contacts and clear roles to ensure coordinated, safe responses.
Why do we need batteries to support the power grid?
Energy storage fundamentally improves the way we generate, deliver, and consume electricity. Battery energy storage systems can perform, among others, the following functions:
1. Improve system reliability by providing complimentary flexible generation to an increasingly intermittent generation mix.
2. Help provide back-up power during emergencies like blackouts from storms, equipment failures, or accidents.
3. Lower consumer energy costs by charging while energy prices are low and discharging during peak demand.
4. Balance power supply and demand instantaneously, which makes the electrical grid more reliable, resilient, efficient, and cleaner than ever before.
Have more questions?
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