MGM called the launch a milestone in its goals of reducing the company’s emissions by 45% per square foot by 2025. MGM plans to source 100% renewable energy in the US by 2030.
“With MGM Resorts’ significant scale and resources, we’re positioned to make a meaningful difference in the fight against climate change, and we recognize our responsibility to build a more environmentally sustainable future,” MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle said. “Today we’re marking a significant step forward in our environmental sustainability initiatives in Las Vegas and our long-term vision to protect the planet and achieve an enduring, positive impact in our communities worldwide.”
MGM partnered with Invenergy, a privately held sustainable energy solutions developer and operator, for the 640-acre, 323,000-panel array. MGM is in a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement with Invenergy, which earlier this year sold a 75% interest in the project to AEP Renewables, a subsidiary of American Electric Power.
The array was built in the desert north of Las Vegas. Hornbuckle, Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez-Masto and Nevada Bureau of Land Management State Director Jon Raby were among the dignitaries on hand for the array’s June 28 launch.
MGM invested $60m in energy efficiency from 2007 and 2019, including an 8.3-megawatt array at Mandalay Bay in 2015.
The company said the 100-megawatt array produces renewable energy equivalent to the amount of power used by approximately 27,000 average American homes annually.
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak called the array among the “most significant steps” the gaming industry has taken to tackling climate change.
“Powering so much of the Strip with clean, renewable energy sends a powerful message about Nevada’s role as a national leader in renewable energy and our commitment to fighting climate change,” Sisolak said.
