Powering the future: How will Atlanta keep up with demand in 2050?

Viewers will see a candid, forward-looking conversation about Atlanta’s energy future, blending realism with ambition. The discussion features real stories, professional insights, and practical examples of how infrastructure, technology, and partnerships can transform energy security for a growing city. It highlights both the progress made and the work still to be done, calling for community engagement, innovation and bold commitments to realize Atlanta’s vision for 2050.

Atlanta’s energy system is transforming. Georgia Power and Southern Company, serving more than 2.3 million Georgia residents, have taken significant steps, including investments in nuclear power like the new Plant Vogtle, retiring coal-burning assets, and deploying grid resiliency sensors and battery storage. These efforts support Southern Company’s net-zero greenhouse gas commitment by 2050, but more is needed.

Grid resilience is a top priority. Atlanta’s business-friendly climate and innovation hubs, like Georgia Tech’s Tech Square, position the City to attract and support major industries. Strategic investments in grid infrastructure, distributed generation and redundancy planning will help Atlanta turn grid resilience from a challenge into a competitive advantage, especially as data centers and other high-demand users continue to grow.

Innovation zones and alternative generation, such as solar integration on highways and brownfields, small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) and industrial-scale clean energy projects, can position Atlanta as a leader in clean tech research and deployment. Engaging communities in planning and investment will be key to realizing these opportunities.

Energy and water systems are deeply interconnected. Water usage is energy-intensive, requiring significant power for pumping, treatment and distribution. Conservation and water reuse can help reduce energy demand and support sustainability goals. Partnerships with major corporations, cooling innovations for data centers and co-located infrastructure planning are examples of how Atlanta can optimize the water–energy nexus.

Looking ahead, the vision for 2050 is clear: every home, business, and public service in metro Atlanta will have access to reliable, affordable, carbon-neutral electricity, backed by a grid resilient to climate extremes. Achieving this will require long-term investment, energy diversification and collaboration between state agencies, utilities, and the private sector.