July 14, 2026
Construction on the largest solar and storage project in U.S. history is officially underway, officials say Cypress Creek Energy And Googling.
The construction team broke ground on the first two phases of the Wilson, Arkansas-based Steel River Energy Center on July 14, representatives said. These two phases alone will deliver approximately 1.6 GWdc of new solar generation to the local grid, as well as 1.9 GWh of battery storage, which will help support economic growth in the natural state.
In total, the project will deliver 2.5 GWdc and 2.9 GWh of battery storage once completed in 2029, enough to power more than 315,000 homes annually. Technology giant Google has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for the first two phases of the project, its largest investment in solar and storage to date.
“Steel River represents an important investment not only in Google’s clean energy commitments, but also in our commitment to Arkansas,” said Will Conkling, head of data center energy at Google. “This partnership with Cypress Creek Energy will strengthen the electric grid and ensure more reliable, affordable and clean energy is available to businesses and communities across the state.”
Perhaps most importantly, the project’s construction will remain almost entirely domestic. The project features US-made panels from First solar energy, LG batteries made in the US and Canada then assembled in Arizona, and 159,000 tons of structural steel from Mississippi County, Arkansas.
“Some people still wonder if 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 energy storage project in the country and is 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 nation’s energy future.”
Investing in America’s energy future
The massive project does more than just strengthen the regional energy grid, said Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas.
The energy director says the site provides gigawatt-scale 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 maintain financial investments 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 an important step forward in meeting our state’s increasing energy demands,” said Laura Landreaux, president and CEO of Entergy Arkansas. “By using solar energy – one of the cheapest next-generation sources – we can keep energy costs manageable for Arkansas families and businesses.”
The project will create approximately 700 jobs during each of the construction phases and generate up to $300 million in local tax revenue over its lifetime, the company said. Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commissionsays the project is a “welcome addition” to the state’s business community.
“This facility will be a showcase of American manufacturing,” he added, “using steel manufactured in Mississippi County, Arkansas, and we congratulate the company on its groundbreaking development.”
Reinforcement of the province of Mississippi
The site will also benefit from this Rivercrest School DistrictMississippi County, and the city of Wilson, Arkansas, with Cypress Creek and Google investing 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 construction of a new playground, representatives say.
“The generous support of the Steel River Energy Center will benefit our schools well into the future,” said Shantele Raper, superintendent of the 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 already in operation or under construction. The company currently manages assets in 24 states.
Tags: Arkansas, batteries, BESS, ESS, project, Steel River Energy Center, storage, utility scale
