MGM Resorts Launches Solar Array in Las Vegas

MGM Resorts International today launched its 100-megawatt solar array, the hospitality industry’s largest directly sourced renewable electricity project worldwide, the company announced.

The array’s clean energy now produces up to 90 percent 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.

“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,” Bill Hornbuckle, CEO and President, MGM Resorts, said in a statement. “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 percent per square foot. MGM Resorts also is announcing 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:

– Reduce absolute scope one and two Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions 50 percent by 2030 (2019 base year)

– Source 100 percent renewable electricity in the U.S. and 80 percent globally by 2030

“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,” Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak said. “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.”