Google has started construction on the Steel River Energy Center in Mississippi County, Arkansas, set to become the largest solar and battery storage project in the company\u2019s global portfolio and the biggest solar facility in the United States.<\/p>\n
Developed with local partner Cypress Creek Renewables, the three-phase project will deliver 2.5 gigawatts of solar generation capacity and 2.9 gigawatt-hours of battery storage when fully operational in 2029.<\/p>\n
The facility will provide enough electricity to power more than 315,000 Arkansas homes annually, while helping Google secure around-the-clock carbon-free energy for its data centers.<\/p>\n
Major boost for Arkansas\u2019 economy:<\/strong><\/p>\n Google, which is supporting the project as an anchor investor and energy buyer, said the first two phases will add 1.6 GW of solar capacity and 1.9 GWh of storage to the regional grid.<\/p>\n The project is expected to create around 700 local jobs during construction and generate an estimated $300 million in tax revenue over its lifetime.<\/p>\n Beyond energy generation, Steel River will rely on Arkansas\u2019 industrial capabilities, using 100% US-made structural steel sourced from United States Steel Corporation\u2019s nearby Big River facility and manufactured at PACO Steel\u2019s Arkansas plant.<\/p>\n Solar meets storage to strengthen the grid:<\/strong><\/p>\n Unlike traditional solar projects, Steel River combines large-scale solar arrays with advanced battery systems, allowing electricity generated during peak sunlight hours to be stored and supplied when demand rises.<\/p>\n Google said the project will help strengthen the regional grid while supporting Arkansas\u2019 growing industrial base, including steel manufacturing, data centers and households.<\/p>\n Supporting communities beyond clean energy:<\/strong><\/p>\n Google has committed $5 million to energy affordability initiatives in Arkansas, including community solar subscriptions for low-income customers, home weatherization improvements and energy efficiency projects in K-12 schools.<\/p>\n The investment builds on the Greater West Memphis Energy Impact Fund and aims to deliver long-term benefits for residents across Mississippi County.<\/p>\n Google said Steel River reflects its broader effort to expand clean energy capacity while supporting domestic manufacturing, local jobs and more resilient power systems.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Google has started construction on the Steel River Energy Center in Mississippi County, Arkansas, set to become the largest solar and battery storage project in the company\u2019s global portfolio and the biggest solar facility in the United States. Developed with local partner Cypress Creek Renewables, the three-phase project will deliver 2.5 gigawatts of solar generation […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":410,"featured_media":117010,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[984,13329],"tags":[7105,6233,20527],"yoast_head":"\n