Estuary Power, a majority woman-owned renewable energy developer, has started construction on the Escape Solar and Storage project in Lincoln County, Nevada. The facility, with 185 MW of solar capacity and 400 MWh of battery energy storage, is expected to be operational by the third quarter of this year.

"This project reflects our commitment to delivering clean, reliable energy while supporting local communities," Estuary Power stated.

The $340 million project will feature 389,000 bifacial solar panels spread across 900 acres and involves multiple U.S.-based companies in its construction:

• Bechtel Infrastructure and Power Corporation will handle the solar arrays.
• Dashiell Corporation will construct the substation and upgrade transmissions.
• Tesla will supply and install the battery energy storage system.

While the solar modules will be supplied by China-based JinkoSolar, the facility is expected to generate nearly $80 million in tax revenue for Lincoln County over its lifetime, marking it as the region's first utility-scale solar project.

Long-term power agreements include:

• 115 MW of solar and 400 MWh of storage for MGM Resorts International, enabling the company to double its solar energy capacity.
• 25 MW of solar each for Caesars Entertainment and Overton Power District.
• 20 MW of solar for Wynn Las Vegas.

With MGM Resorts’ commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy in North America by 2030, the project is a significant step toward their goal. Currently, 90% of daytime energy at 11 MGM properties on the Las Vegas Strip is powered by solar.

The Escape facility will interconnect with Lincoln County Power District’s Mesa substation and utilize its transmission system, ensuring reliable energy distribution across the region.