Constructionreview




Cypress Creek Acquires Under-Construction Steel River Project, 2.45-GW Solar Paired with 2.9-GWh Storage in Arkansas

Home » Cypress Creek Acquires Under-Construction Steel River Project, 2.45-GW Solar Paired with 2.9-GWh Storage in Arkansas
Cypress Creek Acquires Under-Construction Steel River Project, 2.45-GW Solar Paired with 2.9-GWh Storage in Arkansas

Cypress Creek Renewables has acquired the Steel River project from Swift Current Energy, a massive solar-plus-storage development currently under construction in Mississippi County. Once complete, the facility will deliver 2.45 GW of solar generation paired with 2.9 GWh (720 MW) of battery storage, making it one of the largest projects of its kind in the United States.

The acquisition nearly doubles Cypress Creek’s portfolio of operating and under-construction projects to 7 GW, reflecting the company’s growing role in large-scale U.S. energy infrastructure.

“Steel River reflects the scale of infrastructure required to meet America’s rapidly growing electricity demand,” said Jeffrey Meigel, Chief Investment Officer of Cypress Creek. “Our platform is built to develop, finance, and operate projects of this magnitude. This acquisition strengthens our position as a leading energy solutions provider and long-term owner of large-scale U.S. energy infrastructure.”

Development Phases

The project will develop in three phases, each delivering approximately 815 MW of solar generation paired with 240 MW / 960 MWh of battery storage. Cypress Creek plans to bring all phases into service by 2029. The total capital investment exceeds $4.5 billion, incorporating American-made structural steel and solar panels, while sourcing additional equipment from Arkansas-based suppliers whenever possible.

Eric Lammers, CEO and Co-Founder of Swift Current Energy, said:

“Steel River will be one of the largest clean energy facilities in the country. Supporting energy affordability and reliability while driving local and national economic growth. Our sale of this monumental project sets up Swift Current Energy for continued success, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Mississippi County.”

Construction and Local Impact

The project is expected to create approximately 700 full-time construction jobs and 19 permanent on-site positions.

Estimated $300 million in annual tax revenue over the project’s life will support local schools, public safety, and infrastructure improvements.

Battery storage will enhance grid reliability, manage peak electricity demand, and reduce the risk of brownouts and blackouts in the region.

Strategic Context

Solar and battery storage accounted for 85% of new U.S. electricity generation capacity in 2025. Reflecting their rapid growth as cost-effective sources of clean energy. Large-scale projects like Steel River and Arevon Energy’s Nighthawk Energy Storage Project in California, a 300-MW / 1,200-MWh facility recently financed with $920 million, demonstrate the U.S.’s commitment to expanding grid capacity to meet surging energy demand.

Steel River Solar + Storage Project Factsheet

Developer: Cypress Creek Renewables

Previous Developer: Swift Current Energy

Location: Mississippi County, Arkansas

Capacity: 2.45 GW solar + 2.9 GWh (720 MW) battery storage

Construction Phases: 3 phases of 815 MW solar + 240 MW / 960 MWh storage each

Total Investment: >$4.5 billion

Jobs: 700 construction, 19 permanent

Expected Commissioning: 2029

Project Team

  • Owner / Developer: Cypress Creek Renewables

  • Previous Developer: Swift Current Energy

  • Financial Advisors: Jefferies LLC, Truist

  • Legal Advisors: Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP; Husch Blackwell LLP; Stoel Rives LLP; Vinson & Elkins LLP

  • Local Stakeholders: Mississippi County officials and community partners

Popular Posts

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *