Estuary Power has officially announced the final completion and commercial operation of its flagship Escape Solar and Storage Project, a major renewable energy facility located in Lincoln County, Nevada. The project, which integrates 185 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic capacity with a 400 megawatt-hour (MWh) battery energy storage system (BESS), is now fully operational and delivering clean electricity to the grid. This milestone marks the culmination of a successful development cycle, solidifying Estuary Power’s footprint as a leading developer in the Western United States.

Powering the Strip: Partners and Operations

The Escape project is distinguished by its massive scale and its phased integration into the grid, having reached full commercial operation in late December 2025. The facility combines 185 MW of DC solar capacity with a 100 MW/400 MWh battery system, designed to capture excess solar generation during the day and discharge it during peak evening hours. This hybrid capability is critical for maintaining grid stability in Nevada, where energy demand often spikes after the sun has set.

The project is anchored by a diverse portfolio of high-profile off-takers who have signed long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to decarbonize their operations. MGM Resorts International serves as the anchor tenant, purchasing 115 MW of solar energy and controlling the entire 400 MWh battery storage capacity. This significant allocation is a cornerstone of MGM’s corporate strategy to source 100% renewable electricity for its domestic operations by 2030, ensuring that its iconic Las Vegas properties are powered by clean energy around the clock.

Complementing the MGM agreement, the project also supplies power to other major regional players. Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Las Vegas, and Overton Power District No. 5 began receiving a combined 70 MW of solar power in June 2025, marking the completion of the project’s first phase. Jill Daniel, CEO of Estuary Power, praised the execution of the development, noting that the “unusually complex project” was delivered ahead of an accelerated schedule through disciplined execution and creativity.

Escape Solar and Storage Project: Factsheet

Developer/Owner: Estuary Power

Location: Lincoln County, Nevada

Total Capacity: 185 MW (DC) Solar / 400 MWh Storage (100 MW BESS)

Operational Status: Fully Operational (as of Dec 2025)

Off-takers:

MGM Resorts International (115 MW Solar / 400 MWh Storage)

Overton Power District No. 5 (25 MW Solar)

Caesars Entertainment (25 MW Solar)

Wynn Las Vegas (20 MW Solar)

Key Contractors:

Solar EPC: Bechtel Infrastructure and Power Corp.

High Voltage EPC: Dashiell Corporation

Technology:

Batteries: Tesla

Solar Modules: JinkoSolar (389,000 TOPCon Bifacial units)

Financing:

Tax Equity: Morgan Stanley Renewables Inc.

Debt Lenders: Denham Capital, First Citizens Bank, Nord/LB, National Bank of Canada

Economic Stats:

~500 Union construction jobs

~$80 Million projected county tax revenue

Construction Excellence and Economic Impact

To bring this vision to life, Estuary Power collaborated with a roster of top-tier industry partners to ensure high-performance standards—operational excellence also highlighted as Consumers Energy flips the switch on the 250MW Muskegon Solar Center. Bechtel Infrastructure and Power Corporation acted as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the solar generation portion, installing approximately 389,000 bifacial TOPCon modules supplied by JinkoSolar. Meanwhile, Tesla provided the advanced battery energy storage system, and Dashiell Corporation managed the high-voltage infrastructure, including the substation and transmission upgrades necessary to connect the facility to the grid.

Beyond its technical specifications, the Escape Solar and Storage Project has served as a vital economic engine for rural Nevada. The construction phase generated approximately 500 union jobs, drawing skilled labor from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Operating Engineers, and Laborers locals. This commitment to union labor ensured a high-quality build while injecting wages directly into the local economy during the multi-year construction timeline.

The project’s long-term financial structure ensures it will continue to benefit Lincoln County for decades. Over its operational lifespan, the facility is projected to generate nearly $80 million in tax revenue, providing crucial funding for local services and infrastructure. The development was made possible through a robust financing package, including tax equity investment from Morgan Stanley Renewables Inc. and debt facilities provided by a consortium of lenders including Denham Capital, First Citizens Bank, Nord/LB, and the National Bank of Canada.