Desert landscape demolished to make way for solar power plant on county land near Mesquite

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Desert greenery, including Joshua trees, was recently bulldozed to make way for a solar power plant. According to PR Newswire, Estuary Power closed a $340 million financing package for the Escape Solar and Storage Project, a 185 megawatt solar plus 400 megawatt-hour battery storage plant, which began production in Lincoln County late December 2024. The plant is set to assist properties including MGM Resorts International, Overton Power District, Caesars Entertainment and Wynn Las Vegas. 

Bechtel Infrastructure and Power Corporation, Dasheill Corporation, JinkoSolar, in conjunction with Tesla, Inc., began construction for the Escape Solar and Storage Project, which is slated to begin operation in 2025. “The project will generate nearly $80 million in tax revenue for Lincoln County,” stated the PR Newswire from Estuary Power. “Escape will interconnect to Lincoln County Power District’s Mesa substation and transmit power over Lincoln County Power District’s and Overton Power District’s systems.”

Residents within the area shared concerns regarding the disruption to desert wildlife and foliage, with some sharing outrage and concerns for a better solar project location. For more information or updates on the project, visit www.estuarypower.com.