Google signed a deal for a massive Arkansas solar and storage project delivering 2.5 GW generation and 2.9 GWh battery storage by 2029.

Google has secured a deal for Steel River, a major solar and battery storage project in Arkansas with a targeted completion date of 2029. The facility will deliver 2.5 GW of generation capacity and 2.9 GWh of battery storage to the regional grid. Construction will proceed in three phases, with the first two phases bringing 1.6 GW and 1.9 GWh of battery storage online.

Google described Steel River as "a game changer" for pairing solar arrays with advanced battery storage systems. This combination reflects a broader industry trend: solar and battery storage systems accounted for 91% of all new electricity generation capacity in the U.S. during the first quarter of 2025, according to a June report from the Solar Energy Industries Association.

The project is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for the region. Construction will create 700 jobs during each phase, with an estimated $300 million in local tax revenue flowing to Mississippi County over the project's lifetime. Google committed $5 million for local energy affordability initiatives benefiting residents and K-12 schools. Cypress Creek, the project partner, pledged an additional $3 million in community investments, beginning with a $400,000 contribution to construct a new playground in a nearby school district.

A key focus of the partnership is domestic manufacturing. Cypress Creek CEO Kevin Smith stated that solar panels will be made entirely in the U.S., and nearly all structural steel will be sourced from Mississippi County facilities. "Some people still question whether a domestic solar supply chain is possible. This project is proof," Smith said in a July 14 release. The facility is expected to reach full operation in 2029. Google did not disclose investment terms or power purchase arrangements.

The deal arrives as Google faces mounting emissions pressures from its artificial intelligence infrastructure expansion. The company's latest sustainability report revealed that its 2025 carbon footprint increased 18% compared to 2024 and 81% compared to its 2019 baseline.