MGM Resorts Solar Energy Deal to Supply 100 Percent of Daytime Power to Operator’s Las Vegas Casinos 

MGM Resorts International has signed a deal to massively expand the solar power capacity at its 11 Las Vegas casino resorts. 

The new agreement with Escape Solar LLC will add some 20%-30% extra power by 2026, when the facility comes online. Escape is building a large 115 megawatt solar array in Lincoln County, Nevada. 

MGM is the largest U.S. gambling operator. It is looking to power its entire domestic operations through renewable power by 2030. It currently powers 90% of its Las Vegas casinos’ daytime needs via its own Mega Solar Array facility in the Nevada desert, north of the city. The new facility will boost that to 100% of daytime needs, and 10% to 20% of night time power. 

“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 MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle in a press release. 

 “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 New Facility 

Escape Solar will be building the new solar array, which will be managed by Reno, Nevada-based Estuary Power. 

It will create enough juice over a year to fill the power needs of 28,000 homes. It is expected to come online in 2026, with some 250 jobs created across construction and management. 

“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,” said Jill Daniel, CEO of Estuary Power.  

“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.”

Sustainability Goals 

Since 2016, MGM says it has successfully reduced its carbon emissions across its U.S. properties by 45%, and is on track for 50% by 2025. 

That includes opening its 100 megawatt Mega Solar Array, installing 26,000 solar panels on the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Outside of Las Vegas, it also installed 3,500 solar panels on the roof of MGM Springfield in Massachusetts. 

The company says it aims to be one of the leading hospitality operators globally in reducing emissions.

Las Vegas recently broke several major heat records. That included hitting all-time high recorded temperatures and setting a new record for consecutive days of 100+ degree heat. The Las Vegas Valley also was blanketed in smoke this month from California wildfires, which have been increasing in severity in recent years.