Cypress Creek breaks ground on record-setting Steel River Energy Center
Construction on the largest solar and storage project in the history of the U.S. is officially underway, according to officials from Cypress Creek Energy and Google.
The construction team broke ground on the Wilson, Arkansas-based Steel River Energy Center’s first two phases on July 14, representatives say. Those two phases alone will deliver about 1.6 GWdc of new solar generation for the local grid, as well as 1.9 GWh of battery storage, helping to support economic growth in the Natural State.
In total, the project will provide 2.5 GWdc and 2.9 GWh of battery storage once complete in 2029, enough to power more than 315,000 homes every year. Tech giant Google has secured a power purchase agreement (PPA) for the first two phases of the project, its largest solar and storage investment to date.
“Steel River not only represents an important investment in Google’s clean energy commitments, but also in our commitment to Arkansas,” says 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.”
Perhaps most crucially, the project’s construction will remain nearly entirely domestic. The project features U.S.-made panels from First Solar, LG batteries made in the U.S. and Canada and then assembled in Arizona, and 159,000 tons of structural steel from Mississippi County, Arkansas.
“Some people still question whether a domestic solar supply chain is possible. This project is proof,” says Cypress Creek Energy CEO Kevin Smith. “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.”
Investing in America’s energy future
The massive project does more than simply strengthening the regional energy grid, says Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas.
The energy executive says the gigawatt-scale site provides economic development for the state of Arkansas, a crucial boon as the state’s economy continues to grow. Additionally, the project will secure a sustainable future for the state’s energy industry and keep financial investments flowing for Mississippi County.
“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,” says 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.”
The project will create about 700 jobs during each of its construction phases, and will generate up to $300 million in local tax revenue throughout its lifespan, according to the company. Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, says the project is a “welcome addition” to the state’s business community.
“This facility will be a showcase of American manufacturing,” he adds, “using steel manufactured right in Mississippi County, Arkansas, and we congratulate the company on its groundbreaking.”
Strengthening Mississippi County
The site will also benefit Rivercrest School District, Mississippi County, and the Town of Wilson, Arkansas, with Cypress Creek and Google committing a combined $8 million in initiatives to support Arkansas residents and K-12 schools.
Cypress Creek’s investment also includes a $400,000 contribution to Rivercrest School District for the construction of a new playground, representatives say.
“The generous support provided through Steel River Energy Center will benefit our schools well into the future,” says Shantele Raper, superintendent of Rivercrest School District. “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.”
The Steel River Energy Center project now joins Cypress Creek’s 19 GW project portfolio, including 6.8 GW of assets either already operating or under construction. The company currently manages assets across 24 states.
