PortAventura World has launched the largest self-consumption solar plant at a holiday resort in Spain.
The €6 million photovoltaic plant, inaugurated earlier this month, is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and part of PortAventura World’s bid to reduce its carbon footprint.
Arturo Mas-Sardá, president of PortAventura World, said the launch “is a major milestone in our company’s [environmental, social, and corporate governance] strategy, which we are constantly working on and is an absolute priority”.
PortAventura World worked with renewable energy company Endesa X to install 11,102 solar panels covering a total area of 6.4 hectares – equivalent to nine football pitches. These will generate a third of the energy needed to operate the theme park resort.
“For more than 28 years, we have worked actively to meet a series of social, environmental and economic commitments that have benefited all stakeholders involved in our resort,” said Choni Fernández, director of sustainability at PortAventura World.
The plant, with a capacity of 6.05 megawatt peak (MWp), will generate 10GWh/year – equivalent to the energy consumption of 3,000 households. It will prevent the release of 4,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere every year.
The second phase of construction is underway. It will have a capacity of 3.1 MWp and will provide an additional 5.6GWh per year. In total, PortAventura World is investing more than €8m into the solar plant.
In addition to the plant, PortAventura World is promoting recycling initiatives, energy efficiency and sustainable mobility.
Sustainability at PortAventura
The resort has also eliminated single-use plastics, installed one of the largest electric vehicle charging hubs at a European resort, and is operationally carbon neutral.
Last month, the resort opened its new Uncharted-themed dark ride coaster, created in partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment.
‘Uncharted: The Enigma of Penitence’ was also created with Sally Dark Rides, a leading creator of immersive attractions, and Intamin, a creator of record-breaking amusement rides.
