The hospitality industry’s largest directly sourced renewable electricity project worldwide
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GM Resorts International launched its 100-megawatt solar array, which it called the hospitality industry’s largest directly sourced renewable electricity project worldwide.
The array’s clean energy now produces up to 90% of MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas daytime power needs, spanning 65 million square feet of buildings across 13 properties and more than 36,000 rooms on the Las Vegas Strip, including Bellagio, ARIA, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, and The Mirage, among others.
Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President, MGM Resorts said: “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. 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.”
The company is announcing two new goals it has developed in line with the guidance provided by the Science-based Targets Initiative and has submitted for consideration by the initiative: reduce absolute scope one and two Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 50% by 2030 (2019 base year); and source 100% renewable electricity in the US and 80% globally by 2030.
Steve Sisolak Nevada Governor noted: “MGM Resorts has long been Nevada’s largest private employer and has shown a clear commitment to using their size and scale to lead on important issues like climate change, renewable energy, and sustainability. This solar array is among the most significant steps our industry has taken in terms of tackling climate change and promoting renewable energy. 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.”
MGM Resorts’ Mega Solar Array is located in the desert north of Las Vegas and it features 323,000 panels arranged across 640 acres. The array’s renewable electricity production will be equivalent to the amount of power used by approximately 27,000 average U.S. homes annually.
The Mega Solar Array project was developed in partnership with Invenergy, a privately-held developer and operator of sustainable energy solutions, and structured through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement. In early 2021, Invenergy sold a 75% interest in the MGM Resorts Mega Solar Array to AEP Renewables, a subsidiary of American Electric Power. Invenergy Services, a subsidiary of Invenergy, will provide Operations and Maintenance and Balance of Plant services under a long-term agreement.
