The largest planned solar project in the United States has begun construction. The Steel River Energy Center, developed by Cypress Creek Energy and installed by Moss, is designed to have a planned solar capacity of 2.5 gigawatts direct current and will include a 2.9 gigawatt-hour battery energy storage system in Wilson, Arkansas.

The first and second phases of the ongoing three-stage Steel River project, representing 1.6 gigawatts of solar and 1.9 gigawatt-hours of energy storage, are under construction. The entire project is scheduled for completion in 2029. Google has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Cypress Creek to obtain energy from the first and second phases of the solar-plus-storage project.

"Steel River not only represents a significant investment by Google in its commitment to clean energy, but also embodies our dedication to Arkansas," said Will Conkling, Head of Energy for Google's Data Centers. "The collaboration with Cypress Creek Energy will strengthen the grid, ensuring more reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy for businesses and communities across the state.". ”

Google is currently developing a data center in West Memphis, approximately 40 miles from Wilson. According to the press release announcing this PPA, a 2.5 gigawatt solar project can power about 315,000 homes in Arkansas. Most of Steel River's solar output will be achieved through Google's PPA.

Cypress Creek reported that most of the steel for solar racks and foundations will be sourced from PACO Steel in Blytheville and U.S. Steel in Osceola, both located in counties with the same name as Wilson. The project will utilize Nextpower solar trackers, First Solar modules, and LG Energy Solution's Vertech energy storage system, all domestically manufactured or assembled in the U.S.

"Some people still question whether a domestic solar supply chain is feasible. This project proves otherwise," said Kevin Smith, CEO of Cypress Creek. "Steel River is the largest solar project with energy storage in the nation, and it was built with 100% American-made solar panels and structural steel. This benefits U.S. manufacturing, Arkansas, and the country's energy future.". ”

Since November, Google has signed a PPA to purchase output from a 49-megawatt solar project in Ohio, acquired large-scale renewable energy developer Intersect for nearly $5 billion in cash, and signed additional PPAs to secure approximately 400 megawatts of solar power in Texas.