DISNEYLAND PARIS HOSTS EUROPE'S LARGEST PV SHADE PARK

The Disneyland Paris parking lot has been equipped with photovoltaic (PV) panels that have created Europe’s largest solar shade plant of 36.1 MWp. The 20-acre (8.1 ha) car park has been covered by 82,000 PV panels, which are now fully operational, French solar developer and installer Urbansolar as a co-investor with Disneyland Paris covered 11,200 parking spaces.

The entire construction was completed after 3 years of work, while it was divided into 4 phases and gradual commissioning, but today the entire project has been handed over and is working.

The photovoltaic project technically makes it possible to produce enough renewable energy over 36,000 GWh per year to cover approximately 17% of the current electricity consumption of Disneyland Paris, i.e. j. equivalent to the annual solar energy consumption of a city with 17,400 inhabitants.

The installation will operate for 30 years. All of the electricity will be sold to unspecified entities, without any self-consumption.

The project will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximately 750 tons of CO2 per year in the Val d'Europe area. The solar parking lot will also provide a better experience for visitors by protecting them from the heat of the sun, rain and snow.

This project is at the heart of Disneyland Paris' environmental strategy aimed at significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonizing energy supplies. This is in line with the company's continued efforts in key areas.

Disney's global solar portfolio is huge. Disney's solar investments can be seen in its various world attractions. Castaway Cay is implementing plans to build a solar array with over 4,000 panels to power over 70% of Disney's private island. Disneyland Resort 1,400 solar panels cover the Radiator Springs Racers attraction. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has 5,000 solar panels. Tokyo Disney Resort: The park generates enough solar energy to power the iconic Dreamlights Parade with panels installed at eight locations behind the scenes.

However, Disneyland is not alone in this environmental effort. Other amusement parks abroad and in the USA are also strongly committed to sustainability.

• Six Flags Great Adventure (USA) Thanks to a partnership with KDC Solar, this New Jersey park runs entirely on solar energy.
• DefiPlanet (France) Although it does not have the fame of Disneyland, this park is a global beacon and advocate of sustainable practices. It educates its visitors about climate change in an engaging and entertaining way.
• Greenwood Forest Park (UK) Was the 1st internationally recognized solar powered theme park, covering 80% of daily energy consumption with solar panels.
• PortAventura World (Spain) In 2019, this Spanish theme park became the first carbon-neutral resort in the world. Last year, they introduced a solar project that covers a third of the resort's annual energy consumption.

Read more about our solar carports on our blog or see the website.