France: Disneyland Paris Celebrates Earth Day with New Solar Canopy Plant Project

On the occasion of yesterday’s World Earth Day, – the international event that takes place annually on 22 April to create awareness of climate protection and the questioning of consumption behavior –, Disneyland Paris shared first images of its new solar plant, which is currently under construction on the main visitor parking lot of the resort. Construction began last year on this photovoltaic plant, which is expected to be one of the largest of its kind in Europe, covering an (impressive) total area of 17 hectares and a total of 67,500 solar panels. The plant is expected to produce an estimated 31 GWh annually, equivalent to the consumption of a city with 14,500 inhabitants.

The project was developed in collaboration and as a joint investment with the French Urbasolar group in order to reduce the Val d’Europe local territory greenhouse gas emissions by approx. 750 tons of CO₂ per year, while producing energy in the future. At the same time, the installation, which is being built on a canopy roof over the parking lot, will enhance the guest experience by providing protection from direct sunlight, from rain or snow. Already 12,000 panels have been installed and are expected to be in operation by late summer as the completion of the first phase of the project. The entire parking lot is expected to eventually be fully covered by 2023.

As one of a total of six focal points, the new solar installation is part of Disneyland Paris’ environmental strategy, which focuses on a significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and a complete decarbonization of the energy supply. Other focal points include a sustainable waste management, including the reduction of plastic consumption, the conservation of water resources, e.g. through a wastewater treatment plant, the development of a responsible supply chain, the preservation and promotion of biodiversity and the support of global measures to protect the environment for future generations. (eap)