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SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – DSD Renewables and Caesars Entertainment have broken ground on an 8.4-megawatt solar project spanning three Caesars properties in Atlantic City. The projects will propel Caesars toward its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050.
The portfolio includes two solar canopies at Caesars Atlantic City, two canopies and a rooftop system at Harrah’s Resort, and a canopy at Tropicana. In addition to generating clean energy, the canopies will reduce snow removal costs and provide shaded parking for staff and customers, while the rooftop systems limit UV exposure to the roof, helping extend its lifespan and reduce cooling needs.
“We are committed to the communities we call home by exploring and implementing plans to reduce our environmental footprint,” Caesars Senior Vice President of Engineering and Asset Management Eric Dominguez said in a release. “The heart of our CodeGreen environmental strategy is our ability to continuously improve our business and environmental performance and leveraging our expanding partnership with DSD enables us to do just that.”
Projected to be complete in late 2022, the installations are expected to generate 10,425,453 kWh of clean, renewable energy annually for the host sites or enough energy to power 931 homes each year. The renewable energy generated is expected to avoid 8,144 tons of carbon dioxide annually, the equivalent to removing 1,592 gas powered cars from the road each year or planting 122,167 trees.
“We’re thrilled to help a major player in the hospitality and casino entertainment industry reduce its environmental footprint and move one step closer to its ambitious sustainability goals,” DSD Vice President of Commercial Origination Dan O’Brien said. “Our expertise in engineering and installing customized canopies, along with our in-house project financing capabilities, made us a perfect fit for these challenging and complex projects, and we look forward to working with Caesars on more projects in the future that will bring value to their business and the communities in which it operates.”
The existing structural layout, building height, wind speed, exposure, and risk category of the sites created added complexity that required highly customized engineering and construction expertise. DSD’s in-house canopy team designed tailored structural connections that will be used to secure the solar arrays, allowing for all steel and electrical systems to be elevated and protected from future storms.
DSD and Caesars Entertainment worked closely with the Casino Redevelopment Authority to ensure the projects would positively benefit Atlantic City and the surrounding community.
John Koster, regional president for Caesars Entertainment’s Eastern Division said, “Our Caesars Entertainment Atlantic City resorts are committed to being leaders in environmental sustainability, as we work toward reducing our environmental footprint and aim to create more clean energy in the market.”
