Disneyland Paris has revealed that it will install a new 17 MW solar garage project. The expectation is that the photovoltaic plant will come into operation by 2023.
According to the French company Urbasolar, a subsidiary of the Swiss company Axpo that will be responsible for building the project, the matrix should generate 31 GWh of electricity per year afterwards and will contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The plant will have 7,500 photovoltaic modules on an area of 17 hectares.
According to the company, enough renewable energy will be produced to supply around 17% of the park's current electricity consumption.
Upon completion, part of the installation will light up at night in the shape of Mickey's head, visible from above. The plant will also protect visitors' vehicles from the elements.
Geothermal energy already provides electricity for the theme park, through a plant, located in Villages Nature Paris, which transforms heat and steam to cover the heating needs of the Disney Parks and the Disneyland Hotel.
“Innovation and environmental preservation are part of the heritage transmitted by Walt Disney. This ambitious project that uses solar energy illustrates Disneyland Paris’ commitment to the issue”, highlighted Natacha Rafalski, president of Disneyland Paris.
“As a company and leader in tourism, we must focus on the sustainable development of our destination and its surroundings, opting for eco-responsible practices”, concluded the executive.