Global hospitality and entertainment company MGM Resorts announced today the launch of a 100-megawatt solar array, enabling the delivery of up to 90% of daytime power in 13 of its Las Vegas resorts, encompassing 65 million square feet of buildings with more than 36,000 rooms on the Las Vegas Strip, including Bellagio, ARIA, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand and The Mirage.
The company also announced new sustainability goals, aligned with the Science-Based Targets initiative guidance, including halving Scope 1 and 2 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 and sourcing 100% renewable electricity in the US, and 80% worldwide by 2030.
Bill Hornbuckle, CEO, and President at 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 environmentalEnvironmental criteria consider how a company performs as a steward of nature. More 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 new solar array, located in the desert north of Las Vegas, features 323,000 panels across 640 acres and was structured through a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement in collaboration with energy solutions company Invenergy. Earlier this year, Invenergy sold a 75% interest in the solar array to American Electric Power subsidiary AEP Renewables.
According to MGM Resorts, the Mega Solar Array is the hospitality industry’s largest directly sourced renewable electricity project worldwide.
Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak said:
“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.”
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