Mississippi County, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – One of the largest solar and battery storage facilities in the United States is taking a massive step forward right in Northeast Arkansas.
Cypress Creek Energy announced June 11 that it has secured $3.5 billion in financing to fund the first two phases of the Steel River Energy Center, a large utility-scale energy project located in Mississippi County, specifically in Wilson.
The company said that when fully completed in 2029, the three-phase project will generate 2.45 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity and 2.9 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery storage, reinforcing regional grid reliability by deploying stored power during peak demand. The newly announced $3.5 billion financial package specifically funds Phases 1 and 2, which will deliver 1.63 GW of solar and 1.9 GWh of storage.
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Beyond its national energy map scale, the Steel River Energy Center’s logistical footprint promises a massive economic boost for the region.
Cypress Creek Energy projects the site will generate nearly $300 million in local tax revenue over its lifetime. It is also expected to create roughly 700 on-site construction jobs, providing a substantial secondary boost to local hospitality and retail sectors.
The company said the Steel River Energy Center is prioritizing American-made materials, utilizing 100% U.S.-made structural steel—nearly all of which is being sourced directly from within Mississippi County. Additionally, the project will rely on 100% domestically manufactured solar panels supplied by First Solar.
According to Kevin Smith, CEO of Cypress Creek Energy, the facility is being built to help meet Arkansas’s growing need for reliable, affordable generation amid rising electricity demands across the country.
“We look for locations with the right combination of transmission infrastructure, available land, and strong local partners, and Mississippi County checks all those boxes,” Smith said in a statement sent to Jonesboro Right Now. “It’s also home to the nation’s leading steel manufacturing hub, which means nearly all the structural steel supporting this project is being produced right here in the community. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of. Just as important, we’re committed to being a long-term partner in Mississippi County by listening to local needs and investing in community priorities.”
Cypress Creek Energy projects the project will be completed by 2029.
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