The Rise of Green Energy on the Las Vegas Strip

Key Takeaways

• Las Vegas city government buildings are powered by renewable energy, but the Las Vegas Strip mainly isn't.
• MGM Resorts and other companies are making significant strides toward using renewable energy sources.
• Despite these efforts, a significant portion of Nevada's power still comes from natural gas.

The glittering lights of the Las Vegas Strip are a symbol of entertainment and excess, yet behind the scenes, a quiet revolution is underway. Contrary to popular belief, Las Vegas has not fully transitioned to green energy, but efforts are being made to change that narrative. Let's dive into the reality of renewable energy on the Las Vegas Strip and the strides being made towards a more sustainable future.

The Myth Unpacked

The misconception that Las Vegas runs entirely on renewable energy stems from a 2016 announcement by Mayor Carolyn Goodman, which was often misinterpreted. Goodman's statement referred specifically to city government operations, not the private sector or the Las Vegas Strip, which lies outside the city limits. While it's commendable that Las Vegas's public buildings are powered by solar and hydroelectric energy, the iconic casinos and hotels of the Strip have a different story.

Green Efforts on the Strip

Despite the initial confusion, the Las Vegas Strip is not ignoring the push for sustainability. MGM Resorts, a major player on the Strip, has embarked on an ambitious project with its 100-megawatt Mega Solar Array. This installation, boasting 323,000 solar panels, can cover up to 90% of daytime energy needs for MGM's 13 properties. Before this, Mandalay Bay Resort began harnessing the sun with 26,000 rooftop panels, and similar initiatives are evident at MGM Springfield and the T-Mobile Arena.

Other casino operators are not far behind. Wynn Las Vegas, for example, has installed solar panels atop its buildings and operates a 160-acre solar power plant. Caesars Entertainment, although without its own solar arrays, purchases solar energy and aims for significant reductions in carbon emissions by 2050.

In 2019, Las Vegas Sands announced that the Venetian and the Sands Expo and Convention Center achieved 100% energy coverage through renewable energy certificates, showcasing a commitment to green energy.

The Road Ahead

Despite these positive steps, the journey to a fully renewable Las Vegas Strip is far from over. Nevada's energy mix still heavily relies on natural gas, making the dream of a completely green-powered Strip a distant reality. The state's reliance on natural gas highlights the broader challenge of transitioning to renewable sources.

Furthermore, the Luxor Sky Beam, a marvel of human ingenuity, showcases the complexities of energy use on the Strip. While it's an iconic part of Las Vegas's skyline, its energy consumption is staggering, underscoring the need for balance between spectacle and sustainability.

Conclusion

The Las Vegas Strip's journey towards sustainability is a microcosm of the global challenge of transitioning to renewable energy. While significant strides have been made, with major resorts adopting solar power and reducing their carbon footprints, there's still a long way to go. The efforts of MGM Resorts and others are commendable, but the reality is that a fully renewable Las Vegas Strip is still on the horizon. As Nevada continues to install more solar panels and the industry strives for greener operations, the future looks bright, albeit powered by a different kind of neon.