DSD Renewables has completed a four canopy, 6.5 MW solar portfolio for Caesars Entertainment at two of the gaming company’s Atlantic City destinations. The installations are across Caesars Atlantic City and Harrah’s Resort and will produce approximately 8.29 MWh of clean energy each year. A fifth canopy is currently under development and is slated to be complete in 2024 bringing the solar portfolio to 7.4 MW.
The portfolio supports Caesars’ environmental commitment to promote initiatives and activities that reduce the carbon footprint of Caesars properties. Caesars is one of the largest customers of Atlantic City Electric in Atlantic City — the local utility — and these solar projects will offset approximately 6% of its energy needs for the resort properties in the area, taking energy load off the utility and making energy resources available for other customers. The project will also help support New Jersey’s clean energy objectives which align with Caesars’ goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
“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,” said Eric Dominguez, senior VP of engineering and asset management at Caesars Entertainment. “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.”
The completed projects include a 1.7 MW and 886 kW solar garage canopies at Caesars Atlantic City, and two installations at Harrah’s Resort Atlantic City — a 1.9 MW solar canopy at Harrah’s self-park garage and a 1.9 MW canopy at Harrah’s valet garage. The effort also includes a 913 kW solar rooftop system at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center that will be installed in early 2024, further enhancing the LEED-certified convention space as a green meeting destination.
“This is a pivotal moment in our clean energy journey, and we couldn’t be happier to see this solar portfolio reach completion,” said John Koster, regional president of the East at Caesars Entertainment. “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. 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.”
The canopies will provide shaded parking for staff and customers and reduce snow removal costs, while the rooftop system will extend the roof’s lifespan and reduce cooling needs by limiting UV exposure. With the existing structural layout, building heights, and the location of the project sites being in such close proximity to the coast, this created an added layer of complexity. DSD’s in-house canopy team created custom engineering designs that were tailored to accommodate increased wind load and risk factors, with structural connections that allow steel and electrical systems to be elevated and protected from storms.
“We were faced with some pretty unique development obstacles, but our team was up to the challenge, working closely with Caesars and the Casino Redevelopment Authority to bring these projects to fruition,” said Dan O’Brien, VP of commercial origination at DSD. “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.”
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 Caesars Entertainment at other destinations across the United States.
— Solar Builder magazine
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