MGM Resorts International has entered into a power purchase agreement with Escape Solar LLC, aimed at increasing its use of solar energy. The agreement will help MGM move closer to its goal of sourcing 100% renewable electricity in North America by 2030.
Currently, solar power supplies 90% of the daytime energy needs at 11 MGM properties along the Las Vegas Strip. With this new 25-year agreement, MGM expects to meet 100% of its daytime energy needs at those locations through renewable sources. The agreement also includes plans for battery storage, allowing solar power to extend into late afternoon and early evening hours.
The Escape Solar + Storage project, managed by Estuary Power, is set to begin construction in Lincoln County, Nevada. The project will include a 115-megawatt solar facility and a 100 MW/400 MWh battery storage system, capable of powering more than 28,000 average U.S. homes annually. Operations are expected to start in 2026.
Bill Hornbuckle
“This agreement is the next step toward the achievement of our climate goals. We have our eyes on meeting our science-based targets and goal of sourcing 100% of our electricity in North America from renewable sources by 2030,” said Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President of MGM Resorts.
MGM Resorts has already made progress in reducing its carbon emissions. In 2023, the company met goals to reduce emissions per square foot by 45% by 2025 and is on track to meet a 50% reduction by 2030. Key renewable energy projects include the 323,000-panel Mega Solar Array in Las Vegas, as well as solar installations at Mandalay Bay Convention Center and MGM Springfield in Massachusetts.
The Escape Solar + Storage project is expected to reduce MGM Resorts’ carbon emissions by nearly 250,000 metric tons annually and create over 250 construction jobs in Lincoln County, Nevada.
“Estuary is delighted to contribute to MGM Resorts’ renewable energy objectives by supplying solar energy and battery capacity from our Escape Solar project,” said Jill Daniel, CEO of Estuary Power. “In addition, Escape will generate substantial economic benefits for Lincoln County, Nevada as the first utility-scale solar project in the county and will create over 250 well-paying construction jobs.”
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/noticias/2024/09/16/78608-mgm-resorts-signs-agreement-with-escape-solar-to-increase-renewable-energy-use
