A 250-megawatt solar development planned for Chicot County, Arkansas, has secured a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA), marking a key step toward its construction and delivery.

 

The project, known as Cypress Knee Solar, is expected to add new generation capacity to the Arkansas grid once completed. Development will include the installation of photovoltaic arrays and associated infrastructure needed to connect the facility to the transmission network. The project is currently in the development phase, with completion targeted for 2028.

 

The PPA supporting the project involves Meta and EDP Renewables North America. The agreement represents the third arrangement tied to Cypress Knee Solar’s developer between the two companies, bringing their total contracted capacity to 545 MW.

Economic impact

Cypress Knee Solar is expected to generate a range of economic benefits for the local area, including payments to landowners, increased local spending, and ongoing community investment tied to the project’s operation.
>The development represents a capital investment of more than $400 million. Over its lifespan, it is projected to contribute approximately $25 million in payments to local governments. Supporting public services and infrastructure at the county level.

 

In addition to the project’s development, more than $77,000 has been allocated to local initiatives in the area, including school programs and community services.

 

Also, additional economic value is expected to flow to private landowners hosting parts of the project, with millions of dollars in lease payments anticipated over time. Local businesses are also expected to benefit from project-related spending during construction and development phases, contributing further to the regional economy.

 

In terms of employment, the project is expected to support hundreds of construction jobs during the buildout period. Once operational, it is also projected to create a smaller number of permanent roles associated with ongoing operations and maintenance activities.

 

Cypress Knee Solar remains in the planning and development stage, with further milestones expected as the project advances toward construction and its planned 2028 completion.

The Cypress Knee Solar Project joins a growing list of large-scale solar developments, including the Prairie Mist Solar Project. Which will supply power to the regional grid managed by the Southwest Power Pool (SPP).

Cypress Knee Solar Project – Factsheet

Project name: Cypress Knee Solar

Capacity: 250 MW (megawatts)

Location: Chicot County, Arkansas, USA

Status: Development stage

Expected completion: 2028

Project scope

Utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installation

Grid connection infrastructure included

Designed to deliver new renewable energy capacity to the Arkansas electricity grid

Economic impact

Several hundred jobs during construction

US$25 million in new revenue for Chicot County over time

Community support

Over US$77,000 contributed to local initiatives, including education programs, food support, and school resources