Next Generation Technology for Smarter Energy
Southern Company is at the forefront of energy innovation. Through our world-class research and development organization, we are committed to developing, shaping, and advancing emerging energy technologies that enhance the lives of our customers and build a sustainable future. Join us as we lead the charge in transforming the energy landscape for generations to come.
Breakthroughs in next generation carbon management
National Carbon Capture Center
The National Carbon Capture Center drives innovation in next-generation carbon management technologies. Managed and operated by Southern Company, our globally recognized facility plays a pivotal role in accelerating the commercial deployment of cost-effective technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and industrial sources.
Developing fourth-generation nuclear reactor technology
Terra Power
Southern Company, TerraPower, the U.S. Department of Energy and other partners are leading in advancement of the first-of-a-kind Molten Chloride Fast Reactor (MCFR), one of the most promising Generation-IV nuclear technologies under development. Culminating years of separate effects testing, the joint effort has completed installation of the Integrated Effects Test – the world’s largest chloride salt system developed by the nuclear sector.
Another key project is the Molten Chloride Reactor Experiment at Idaho National Laboratory, which aims to generate important learnings to facilitate future deployment of fast spectrum salt reactors.
Through these and other strategic collaborations, Southern Company is also working modernize and streamline regulatory mechanisms essential in delivering technologies to achieve a net-zero future.
Accelerating the development of hydrogen technologies
Developing Next-Generation Clean Hydrogen Technologies
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Southern Company R&D funding for the Novel Microbial Electrolysis System for Conversion of Biowastes into Low-Cost Renewable Hydrogen project. Southern Company Gas leads the project in collaboration with partners, Electro-Active Technologies and T2M Global, to advance a technology for production of clean hydrogen from waste. The project’s approach targets distributed generation of hydrogen from food waste, diverting the waste from landfills and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from the food value chain and the transportation sector.
Reflecting its goal of achieving net-zero operations while providing customers and communities with affordable, reliable and resilient energy, Southern Company is an active member of the Hydrogen Council, a global CEO-led coalition of companies with a united vision and long-term ambition for hydrogen to foster the clean energy transition.
Demonstrating Fuel Blending of Hydrogen and Natural Gas
As a leader in research and development (R&D), Southern company believes hydrogen technology can be one of many solutions to help deliver a sustainable future. Over the past five years, Southern Company has invested approximately $16 million of its R&D budget in hydrogen projects. We intend for these investments to support our mission of providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to customers and further economic development and growth in our communities.
Developing battery energy storage systems
Developing battery energy storage systems
Southern Company is driving the future of energy storage with large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) that enhance grid reliability and maximize renewable integration. These advanced systems store excess energy and deliver it during peak demand, providing flexibility and resilience as we transition to a cleaner energy mix. Through strategic projects and partnerships, we’re scaling BESS technology to unlock new efficiencies and accelerate innovation across our network.
Real-world R&D projects
Building Smart Neighborhoods
These first-of-a-kind Smart Neighborhoods are real-world R&D projects within Southern Company’s footprint designed to help inform how energy could be produced, delivered and consumed in the future. Southern Company, its electric operating companies and key partners are researching what technologies will be commonplace in the average home in 2040.
The neighborhoods provide customers with state-of-the-art home construction, distributed energy resources – like battery energy storage and solar – as well as smart home appliances and technologies. Project partners include the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Electric Power Research Institute and key technology vendors.
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Department of Energy
Developing Next-Generation Clean Hydrogen Technologies
The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded Southern Company R&D funding for the Novel Microbial Electrolysis System for Conversion of Biowastes into Low-Cost Renewable Hydrogen project. Southern Company Gas leads the project in collaboration with partners, Electro-Active Technologies and T2M Global, to advance a technology for production of clean hydrogen from waste. The project’s approach targets distributed generation of hydrogen from food waste, diverting the waste from landfills and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from the food value chain and the transportation sector.
Reflecting its goal of achieving net-zero operations while providing customers and communities with affordable, reliable and resilient energy, Southern Company is an active member of the Hydrogen Council, a global CEO-led coalition of companies with a united vision and long-term ambition for hydrogen to foster the clean energy transition.
R & D
Demonstrating Fuel Blending of Hydrogen and Natural Gas
As a leader in research and development (R&D), Southern company believes hydrogen technology can be one of many solutions to help deliver a sustainable future. Over the past five years, Southern Company has invested approximately $16 million of its R&D budget in hydrogen projects. We intend for these investments to support our mission of providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to customers and further economic development and growth in our communities.
The power of Renewable Natural Gas
Did you know that the waste from cows and food scraps can help keep your house warm? This naturally occurring waste produces methane that can be captured and transformed into a sustainable fuel called Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). Integrating RNG into existing natural gas infrastructure can reduce emissions without costly upgrades, improve local air quality, create high-paying clean-energy jobs and promote locally sourced natural gas.
Georgia Power
500 MW of new battery energy storage systems in Georgia
Georgia Power has identified locations for 500 MW of new battery energy storage systems (BESS) authorized by the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) earlier this year as part of the company's 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Update.
Once developed, these projects will serve as dispatchable capacity resources that will provide customers with a reliable and economical source of electricity for the winter of 2026/2027. These resources will add to Georgia Power's diverse generation portfolio, helping to ensure the company has the mix of technologies necessary to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable electric service for all customers during all hours.
Alabama Power
Alabama’s first utility-scale battery storage system
Alabama Power will develop the state’s first utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) on the former Plant Gorgas site in Walker County, which reliably powered Alabama for more than a century. The new Gorgas Battery Facility will store up to 150 MW of electricity generated by other Alabama Power resources. 150 MW is equivalent to the capacity needed to power about 9,000 homes.
The 7-acre facility will be designed as a standalone system that will connect to and charge directly from the electric grid – the interconnected system of high voltage wires and equipment that moves large amounts of electricity across the state.