MGM Resorts Strengthens Environmental Commitment with Renewable Energy Agreement
Date: 2024-09-13 Author: Leon Pierce Categories: TECHNOLOGY
MGM Signs New Renewable Energy Agreement
As part of its commitment to a sustainable future, MGM Resorts has entered into a long-term agreement with Escape Solar LLC that will double the amount of solar energy coming to MGM properties. The company aims to be powered by 100 percent renewable energy in North America by 2030.
MGM already has the largest direct-connect solar system in the hotel industry, generating 90 percent of its daytime energy needs at 11 properties on the Las Vegas Strip from solar power. With the new 25-year agreement with Escape Solar, the company plans to fully meet its daytime energy needs at those properties.
Additionally, MGM will utilize a state-of-the-art battery storage system to extend the use of renewable energy into the evening and late hours. The Escape Solar + Storage project will be operated by Estuary Power and located in Lincoln County, Nevada. The facility will combine 115 megawatts of solar capacity with a 100 megawatt/400 megawatt hour storage system.
The new facility is projected to generate enough electricity to power 28,000 American homes for a year. The project is scheduled to begin operations in early 2026.
MGM’s Sustainable Future
MGM Resorts President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle called the agreement an important step toward meeting the company’s climate commitments. He emphasized MGM’s commitment to 100 percent renewable energy by 2030.
“We continue to move toward sustainability and are constantly looking for new opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint, conserve resources, and inspire others to create a greener world for future generations,” Hornbuckle said.
Estuary Power CEO Jill Daniel expressed her excitement about the partnership with MGM, noting that the project will reduce carbon emissions by 250,000 metric tons per year. She also added that the project will bring significant economic benefits to Lincoln County, being the first major solar project in the region and creating more than 250 jobs.
In 2023, MGM took additional steps toward a green future, setting a goal to reduce carbon emissions by 45% per square foot by 2025.
