Construction is officially underway on what developers say will become the largest solar energy project in the United States.
Cypress Creek Energy and Google joined local leaders, project partners and elected officials to celebrate the groundbreaking of the first two phases of the Steel River Energy Center in Mississippi County. The project is expected to strengthen Arkansas’ electric grid, support the state’s growing industrial economy and showcase Arkansas manufacturing on a national stage.
When completed, the three-phase Steel River Energy Center will generate 2.5 gigawatts of solar power and provide 2.9 gigawatt-hours of battery storage by 2029. According to Cypress Creek, that is enough electricity to power more than 315,000 Arkansas homes each year.
The first two phases alone will add 1.6 gigawatts of solar generation and 1.9 gigawatt-hours of battery storage to the regional grid, helping meet increasing electricity demand driven by manufacturing, data centers and other large industries.
Google expands Arkansas investment
Google has entered into a power purchase agreement with Cypress Creek for electricity generated during the project’s first two phases. The agreement represents the largest solar and battery storage project in Google’s global portfolio.
“Steel River not only represents an important investment in Google’s clean energy commitments, but also in our commitment to Arkansas,” said Will Conkling, head of data center energy at Google. “This collaboration with Cypress Creek Energy will strengthen the grid and help ensure more reliable, affordable, and clean energy is available for businesses and communities throughout the state.”
The additional generation capacity is expected to help support Arkansas’ expanding industrial base while improving long-term energy reliability.
Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas, said the project arrives as electricity demand continues to rise across the state.
“As Arkansas’s economy continues to grow and attract new industries, ensuring reliable and affordable electricity for our communities and businesses is more important than ever. The Steel River Energy Center represents a significant step forward in meeting our state’s increasing demand for power,” said Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas. “By leveraging solar—one of the lowest-cost sources of new generation—we’re able to keep energy costs manageable for families and businesses across Arkansas. This project not only strengthens our grid, but also supports economic development and helps secure a sustainable energy future for our state.”
Built with Arkansas steel
Located in Mississippi County, the nation’s leading steel-producing county, the Steel River Energy Center will rely heavily on materials produced in Arkansas.
Nearly all of the project’s structural steel will come from Mississippi County. PACO Steel will manufacture more than 400,000 steel piles in Blytheville using more than 142,000 tons of steel coils produced by U.S. Steel’s Big River Steel facility in Osceola. Each pile will be stamped, “Proudly made in Mississippi County, Arkansas.”
The project will also feature solar trackers from Nextpower, 100% U.S.-made solar modules from First Solar and battery energy storage systems from LG Energy Solution Vertech assembled in the United States using battery cells manufactured entirely in North America.
“Some people still question whether a domestic solar supply chain is possible. This project is proof,” said Kevin Smith, CEO of Cypress Creek Energy. “Steel River is the largest solar project with energy storage in the country, and it’s being built with 100% U.S.-made solar panels and structural steel. That’s good for American manufacturing, good for Arkansas, and good for the country’s energy future.”
Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, said the project highlights both the state’s manufacturing strength and growing energy sector.
“Steel River Energy Center is a welcome addition to our business community in Arkansas and will provide vital energy storage services to support manufacturing operations,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “This facility will be a showcase of American manufacturing, using steel manufactured right in Mississippi County, Arkansas, and we congratulate the company on its groundbreaking.”
Hundreds of jobs and millions for local communities
Steel River Energy Center is expected to create approximately 700 construction jobs during each phase of development while generating an estimated $300 million in local tax revenue over the life of the project. Those revenues are expected to benefit Mississippi County, the Town of Wilson and the Rivercrest School District.
Cypress Creek has selected Moss as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor.
Beyond construction, Google and Cypress Creek have committed a combined $8 million to community investment initiatives.
Google will invest $5 million in energy affordability programs benefiting Arkansas residents and K-12 schools. The funding expands the company’s Greater West Memphis Energy Impact Fund, supporting community solar subscriptions for low-income households, home weatherization projects in Mississippi County and energy efficiency improvements for school districts throughout Arkansas.
Cypress Creek will contribute an additional $3 million through its community investment program, beginning with a $400,000 donation to Rivercrest School District to build a new playground.
“We are grateful for the investment Cypress Creek is making in the future of Mississippi County,” said Shantele Raper, superintendent of Rivercrest School District. “The generous support provided through Steel River Energy Center will benefit our schools well into the future. Cypress Creek’s initial investment in the Rivercrest Elementary School Playground is just one example of its commitment to creating opportunities for our students. This state of the art, inclusive playground will provide a place where every child can learn, play, and grow together. These investments and opportunities would not otherwise exist, and they will support our students for years to come.”
The project is expected to be completed in phases through 2029, further expanding Arkansas’ role in renewable energy production while supporting the state’s manufacturing economy.
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