MGM Resorts Advances Toward 100% Renewable Energy with New Solar Agreement

16.09.2024

MGM Resorts International has signed a power purchase agreement with Escape Solar LLC. The agreement will more than double the company’s access to solar electricity, bringing it closer to its aim of sourcing 100% renewable energy in North America by 2030.

Enhanced Solar Energy Capabilities

“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 at MGM Resorts.

“As we continue the journey toward greater sustainability, we remain dedicated to finding new ways to reduce our carbon footprint, conserve resources and inspire others to join in building a more sustainable world for generations to come.”

The 25-year agreement will expand MGM Resorts’ renewable energy capacity, allowing it to meet 100% of the daytime power needs for 11 of its Las Vegas Strip properties.

Currently, solar power accounts for 90% of the daytime energy consumption at these locations. The new deal will also enable the use of battery storage to extend renewable energy supply into the late afternoon and early evening hours.

New Solar and Storage Project in Nevada

Operated by Estuary Power, the Escape Solar + Storage project is set for construction in Lincoln County, Nevada. The facility will combine a 115-megawatt solar installation with a 100 MW/400 MWh battery storage system. Once operational in early 2026, it will generate enough renewable electricity to power over 28,000 average U.S. homes annually.

Jill Daniel, CEO of Estuary Power, stated, “Estuary is delighted to contribute to MGM Resorts’ industry-leading renewable energy objectives by supplying solar energy and battery capacity from our Escape Solar project. MGM Resorts’ purchase of renewable energy from Escape will reduce carbon emissions by nearly 250,000 metric tons annually. 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.”

In 2023, MGM Resorts has reduced carbon emissions per square foot by 45% ahead of its 2025 target and aiming for a 50% reduction by 2030. Since 2016, the company has implemented several renewable energy projects, including:

  • A 100 MW solar array supplying power to its Las Vegas locations
  • An 8.3 MW solar installation atop the Mandalay Bay Convention Center
  • A 100 kW rooftop solar array at T-Mobile Arena
  • Solar panels at MGM Springfield in Massachusetts