DSD Renewables has completed a four-canopy 6.5 MW solar portfolio for Caesars Entertainment in Atlantic City.
The portfolio supports Caesars’ environmental commitment to reduce the carbon footprint of its properties. Caesars is one of the largest customers of Atlantic City Electric – the local utility – and these solar projects will offset approximately 6% of Caesars’ energy needs for the resort properties in the area. The project will also support New Jersey’s clean energy objectives, which align with Caesars’ 2050 carbon-neutral goal.
“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,” says Eric Dominguez, SVP of Engineering & 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 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. By early 2024, the companies also hope to install a 913-kW solar rooftop system at Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center.
In total, the installed projects across all locations will produce approximately 8.29 MWh of clean energy each year.
“This is a pivotal moment in our clean energy journey, and we couldn’t be happier to see this solar portfolio reach completion,” says 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."
The structural layout, building heights, and proximity to the coast made this a complicated project for the companies. As a result, DSD Renewable’s in-house canopy team had to create custom engineering designs tailored to accommodate the increased wind load and risk factors. This included adding structural connections that allow the steel and electrical systems to be elevated and protected from storms.
The installations were financed and developed by DSD, which will also serve as the long-term owner and operator of the systems. DSD is currently exploring addition projects with Caesars Entertainment at other destinations across the U.S.
“It’s a privilege to be able to work with Caesars to deliver real value to their business and the local community,” says 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 Redevelopment 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.”
