MGM Resorts International has launched its 100-megawatt solar array – lauded as the hospitality industry’s ‘largest directly sourced renewable electricity project worldwide’.
The array now produces up to 90 per cent of MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas daytime power needs, spanning 65 million square feet of building across 13 properties, along with more than 36,000 rooms on the Las Vegas Strip, including Bellagio, ARIA, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand and The Mirage.
“With MGM Resorts’ significant scale and resources, we’re positioned to make a meaningful difference in the fight against climate change, and we recognise our responsibility to build a more environmentally sustainable future,” said Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President, MGM Resorts. “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 launch marks a milestone in MGM Resorts’ long-term climate strategy and significantly accelerates progress toward its 2025 goal to reduce the company’s emissions by 45 per cent per square foot.
Additionally, MGM Resorts has announced two new goals it has developed in line with guidance provided by the Science-based Targets Initiative, and has submitted for consideration by the Initiative: to reduce absolute scope one and two Greenhouse Gas emissions 50 per cent by 2030 (2019 base year) and to source 100 per cent renewable electricity in US and 80 per cent globally by 2030.
Nevada Governor, Steve Sisolak, added: “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.”
Located in the desert north of Las Vegas, MGM Resorts’ Mega Solar Array 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 US homes annually.
The array’s development and launch follow multiple efforts by MGM Resorts to achieve its long-term climate goals. MGM Resorts’ commitments to date include investing over $60m in energy efficiency in its US properties from 2007 to 2019, including upgrades to energy-efficient lighting and heating and air conditioning systems.
