Memphis Light, Gas & Water looks to build solar generation, battery storage by 2026
Memphis Light, Gas & Water looks to build solar generation, battery storage by 2026
Memphis Light, Gas & Water is seeking to build its own solar generation plant and battery storage.
The move comes as President and CEO Doug McGowen is working to add additional stability to the city’s power grid. The city-owned utility said in a press release it will issue a request for proposals for 100 megawatts of solar power generation and 80 megawatts of battery storage.
“Reliability is something we have been focusing on,” McGowen said during a Tuesday press conference that was posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.
He added that this would be a big step in ensuring reliability would continue in the future.
The request opens the door for multiple vendors to submit proposals. Responses close on April 28.
If MLGW goes through with a proposal, it hopes to start generating energy by summer 2026.
MLGW’s current contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority does not allow it to produce its own power. The Daily Memphian reported Wednesday that McGowen said a modification to the contract could happen that would allow MLGW to produce the solar energy it seeks.
Lucas Finton covers crime, policing, jails, the courts and criminal justice policy for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by phone or email: (901)208-3922 and Lucas.Finton@commercialappeal.com, and followed on X @LucasFinton.