PowerSouth Energy Cooperative is expanding the Lowman Energy Center in Alabama by adding another advanced-class gas turbine from Mitsubishi Power.
The expansion addresses a rapid increase in regional energy demand and a corresponding decrease in the available energy surplus. By increasing capacity, the cooperative aims to provide more efficient and cleaner electricity to its distribution members located across Alabama and Northwest Florida.
This project involves the installation of an M501JAC gas turbine. This will be the second advanced M501JAC gas turbine operating at the Lowman Energy Center [1]. The effort is a collaboration between PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, Mitsubishi Power, and Burns & McDonnell [1], [2].
The decision to scale the facility comes as the cooperative manages the balance between reliability and environmental efficiency. The advanced-class turbines are designed to offer higher efficiency than older models, reducing the carbon footprint per megawatt produced.
Lowman Energy Center serves as a critical hub for the cooperative's grid stability. The addition of the second unit ensures that the utility can maintain a steady power supply during peak usage periods without relying on less efficient backup sources [1], [2].
“PowerSouth Energy Cooperative is expanding the Lowman Energy Center in Alabama”
The expansion of the Lowman Energy Center reflects a broader trend of utilities upgrading to high-efficiency natural gas turbines to bridge the gap between aging infrastructure and surging electricity demand. By deploying a second M501JAC unit, PowerSouth is prioritizing operational reliability and incremental emissions reductions over a total shift to renewables, ensuring grid stability for its members in the U.S. South.
