Written By on October 26, 2023
Two of Caesars Entertainment‘s Atlantic City casinos are now outfitted with solar panels, allowing the gambling giant to get one step closer to its energy goals.
New York-based DSD Renewables completed installation of four solar canopies on parking garages at Caesars Atlantic City and Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City. According to a press release, the panels will produce approximately 8.29 MWh of clean energy each year.
A fifth canopy is currently under development and should be completed next year., further reducing the carbon footprint of Caesars properties among Atlantic City casinos.
Caesars cuts 6% off its energy use with new solar panels
Caesars Entertainment is among Atlantic City Electric’s largest customers. In addition to Caesars AC and Harrah’s AC, the company also operates Tropicana Atlantic City. The solar panels will offset approximately 6% of its energy needs and take an energy load off ACE thereby making more energy available for other regional customers.
The solar project will also help support New Jersey’s clean energy objectives which align with Caesars’ goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
John Koster, Caesars Entertainment’s eastern regional president, called the project a “pivotal moment in our clean energy journey.”
“Projects like this are also about championing the introduction and growth of clean energy resources that deliver jobs and economic development to benefit the local community, just as we’ve done here in Atlantic City,” he said.
“We’re pleased to work with Gov. Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to continue to advance New Jersey’s energy goals, create more job opportunities and foster renewable and sustainable energy in our state.”
Solar panels will contribute ‘real value’ to community
The completed projects include 1.7 MW and 886 kW solar garage canopies at Caesars AC. Over at Harrah’s, there are two installations — a 1.9 MW solar canopy at Harrah’s self-park garage and a 1.9 MW canopy at Harrah’s valet garage.
The project also includes a 913 kW solar rooftop system at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center. Once installed in early 2024, it will further enhance the LEED-certified convention space as a green meeting destination.
“With our ongoing dedication to environmental sustainability and the communities we serve, our partnership with DSD plays a pivotal role in helping us adopt measures to minimize our carbon footprint,” Eric Dominguez, senior vice president of engineering and asset management for Caesars Entertainment, said in a press release.
“These projects in Atlantic City exemplify our pursuit to integrate more clean energy resources into our business and implement on-site renewables across our portfolio nationally while delivering real value locally to the communities in which we operate.”
More casino energy projects in the works
DSD financed and developed the installations and will serve as the long-term owner and operator of the systems. DSD is exploring additional projects with Reno-based Caesars Entertainment at other destinations across the country.
“It’s a privilege to be able to work with Caesars to deliver real value to their business and the local community,” said Dan O’Brien, vice president of commercial origination at DSD.
“We were faced with some pretty unique development obstacles, but our team was up to the challenge, working closely with Caesars and the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority to bring these projects to fruition. The outcome couldn’t be more rewarding and we look forward to helping Caesars move even closer to their sustainability targets with more projects down the line.”
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