MGM Resorts Flips the Switch On 100-Megawatt Solar Power Array

MGM Resorts International has activated its Mega Solar Array project, spread over 640 acres in the desert north of Las Vegas.

MGM Launches a Green Energy Project to Battle Global Warming

On Monday, MGM Resorts International turned on the Mega Solar Array project, a 100-megawatt solar array powering 12 Strip properties and 36,000 hotel rooms. The project was developed through a partnership with Invenergy, a private developer and operator of sustainable energy projects, and the partnership centers on a 20-year power purchase deal. The array is the largest solar farm maintained by a resort company, expecting to provide 90% of MGM’s daylight power needs.

At the beginning of 2021, Invenergy sold a 75% interest in the MGM Resorts Mega Solar Array to AEP Renewables, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, one of the biggest energy companies in the country. Under the agreement, Invenergy Services, a subsidiary of Invenergy, will maintain and provide operational services to the power plant.

MGM Resorts president and 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.” He added that the company the goal is to make a difference in the battle with climate change, explaining that the company recognizes its responsibility and aims to build an environment-friendly sustainable future.

In January 2020, MGM Springfield, the top casino in Massachusetts, launched thousands of solar panels installed in its resort casino.

Mega Solar Array Spreads over 640 Acres in the Desert

Located in the north of Las Vegas, MGM’s Mega Solar Array spreads over 640 acres in the desert. It includes 323,000 solar panels that can provide power that can meet the power needs of 27,000 households. MGM Grand, Bellagio, Aria, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage are among the resorts that will receive power from the new project.

The project was unveiled on Monday in a ceremony at the solar farm in the desert where MGM officials and Nevada Politicians attended, including Governor Steve Sisolak and US Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto.

Sisolak commented on the importance of green energy like this solar farm and battling climate change. He said that they need to do everything in their power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are increasing wildfires. According to Rose, solar energy projects are a success throughout the state. They create thousands of new jobs and lead to cheaper power bills and the growth of a new industry that is beneficial for the economy.