Disneyland Paris has started operating the first section of its solar canopy plant, which will supply 10 GWh per year – equivalent to the annual energy consumption of a city with 4,800 residents.
Disneyland Paris started building the solar canopy plant, developed alongside French company Urbasolar, in fall 2020. It is located in the park’s main parking lot, covering 11,200 parking spaces.
The plant, which already has more than 46,000 photovoltaic panels installed, will produce 36 GWh per year by 2023, equivalent to the annual energy consumption of a city with 17,400 inhabitants.
Disneyland Paris focusing on renewable energy
Upon completion, the plant at Disneyland Paris will cover 49 acres and use 82,000 solar panels. Additionally, it will provide shelter and shade for visitors.
It will be one of the largest solar canopy plants in Europe, also contributing to the reduction of Val d’Europe’s local territory greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 890 tonnes of CO2 annually.
“With the first section of the solar canopy plant that has come online, we have reached an important milestone and another step forward in the implementation of this project, which is at the heart of Disneyland Paris’ environmental strategy, aiming for a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and a full decarbonisation of its energy supply,” said Damien Audric, director of development and environment.
The project is part of Disneyland Paris’ environmental strategy, with the attraction also reducing GHG emissions and plastics, preserving water resources, developing a responsible supply chain and preserving biodiversity.
Earlier this month, Disney revealed more about its new solar arrays, which will power up to 40 percent of Walt Disney World Resort’s annual energy needs.
Emily Dow, design studio executive, and Caitlin Krasovic, senior architect, spoke about Walt Disney Imagineering’s sustainability strategy at greenloop, blooloop’s conference on sustainability in visitor attractions.
Recordings will be available to ticket holders until the end of this year.
Images: Disney
