Arkansas Solar Project Becomes Largest Built With US Steel

Arkansas is about to become home to the nation's largest solar energy project, and the best part? It's being built with American steel from right down the road.

Google and independent power producer Cypress Creek Energy just started construction on the Steel River Energy Center, a massive clean energy project that will eventually deliver 2.5 gigawatts of solar power and 2.9 gigawatt-hours of battery storage by 2029. The first two phases alone will add 1.6 gigawatts of solar generation to Arkansas's grid.

The project stands out for more than just its size. Nearly all the structural steel comes from Mississippi County, Arkansas, where PACO Steel is manufacturing over 400,000 steel piles in Blytheville using steel coils from U.S. Steel's Big River Steel facility in Osceola. That's 142,000 tons of locally produced steel staying right in the community.

"Some people still question whether a domestic solar supply chain is possible. This project is proof," said Kevin Smith, CEO of Cypress Creek Energy. The facility will also use 100% U.S.-made solar panels from First Solar and battery systems assembled in America with cells manufactured in North America.

Google secured energy from the first two phases through a power purchase agreement, making this the largest solar and storage project in the tech giant's global portfolio. The clean energy will help power Arkansas's growing industrial economy, including steel manufacturing and new data centers.

The Ripple Effect

The Steel River project sends ripples far beyond Arkansas's borders. It demonstrates that America can build a complete domestic supply chain for renewable energy, creating manufacturing jobs while generating clean power. Local communities benefit twice: once through construction jobs and manufacturing work, and again through a strengthened electrical grid with more reliable, affordable energy.

The facility will add critical generation and storage capacity to the regional grid, helping stabilize energy supply for businesses and communities throughout the state. When complete, it will surpass California's current record holder, the Edwards & Sanborn facility, which features 875 megawatts of solar capacity.

Arkansas Economic Development Commission executive director Clint O'Neal called the project "a showcase of American manufacturing" that will provide vital energy storage services to support the state's manufacturing operations.

The future of American clean energy is being built in Arkansas, one steel pile at a time.