Las Vegas is a city renowned for its glitz, glamour, and lively nightlife. Amidst the dazzle of the Las Vegas Strip and the incessant hum of activity comes unbridled energy consumption. As a way to offset the impact of their energy consumption, the city, once synonymous with excess, is now leading the charge toward sustainability. Johanna Neumann, senior director of Environment Nevada Research, claims “Vegas isn’t just an entertainment capital – it’s also become one of America’s solar power capitals.”
The Journey to Renewable Energy
Driven by a combination of environmental concerns, economic incentives, and a commitment to innovation, Las Vegas began its renewable energy project in 2008. By 2016, clean energy resources fully power the city, from government buildings to streetlights and beyond. We’re rewriting Las Vegas’ notoriety as Sin City to Sun City as a prime candidate for solar energy!
At the forefront of this transition are expansive solar farms sprawled across the Nevada desert. These solar farms allow the city to harness the abundant sunlight to generate clean electricity. Las Vegas “generate[s] solar power at 40 different parks, community centers and facilities across the city” (City of Las Vegas). Similarly, the city recently celebrated the opening of a covered solar parking facility. Located in East Las Vegas, Freedom Park will support NV Energy’s Expanded Solar Access Program, serving as a community resource for businesses and residents to access solar energy! The city also has plans for Fire Stations 3 and 108 to transition over to solar, further expanding its clean energy efforts.
Additionally, Las Vegas expands on its clean-energy efforts through other renewable resources. The city receives hydropower through the Hoover Dam, supporting its wastewater treatment operations. They’ve also implemented water conservation efforts, such as implementing xeriscaping in place of non-functional turf.
Reaping the benefits of clean energy
The benefits of Las Vegas’s transition to renewable energy extend far beyond economic prosperity. The city’s water conservation efforts have reduced its water consumption by 2.25 billion gallons over the last decade. Similarly, the city replaced landscaping efforts by using median art, supporting them in saving 100 million gallons of water annually.
Las Vegas’s solar efforts have also had an increasingly large impact. MGM Resorts, a global hospitality and entertainment company, launched its Solar Array project in 2021. The company installed a 100MW solar array, which delivers 90% of its daytime power to 13 Las Vegas resorts! The company aims to source 100% renewable energy in the U.S. and 80% globally by 2030.
The city’s Mayor, Carolyn G. Goodman, shared “The city of Las Vegas has long been a leader when it comes to sustainability, and we make it a priority to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. Solar, recycling, renewable energy, and water conservation are all key components to the city’s success.” By slashing carbon emissions and curbing air pollution, the city is fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment for its inhabitants.
Looking Ahead
The city has a bright future ahead, already making a significant impact in expanding the scope of sustainability efforts. The 2024 Super Bowl, hosted at Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, was powered by a Nevada solar farm, marking a historic green milestone for the city and championship game alike!
The city of Las Vegas has adopted a 2050 Master Plan, a comprehensive plan designed to provide health, safety, and prosperity for residents and businesses. Part of this plan builds on the city’s current clean energy efforts to make the city even more sustainable. According to the City of Las Vegas, this includes “tree planting guidelines, drought and water conservation standards, urban heat reduction, complete street projects, and affordable housing strategies.”
A Sustainable Future for All
Las Vegas’s transformation into a city powered entirely by renewable energy stands as a testament to human ingenuity and determination. Similar to Babcock Ranch, the first solar town in America, the city is leading the charge to a sustainable future. Together, let us build a future where renewable energy isn’t just an option but a necessity and sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but a way of life.
