Disneyland Paris Begins Operating First Section of its Solar Canopy Plant

As Disneyland Paris celebrates its 30th Anniversary, the resort continues its transformation journey with the implementation of large-scale projects focusing on renewable energy. The solar canopy plant, which was developed through a co-investment with French company Urbasolar, and which started being built in fall 2020, will produce 36 GWh/year by 2023 – equivalent to the annual energy consumption of a city with 17,400 inhabitants and will contribute to the reduction of Val d’Europe local territory greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by approximatively 890 tons of CO2 per year. The plant, which already has over 46,000 photovoltaic panels installed in the main guest parking lot, will be one of the largest in Europe upon completion. The solar canopies generate renewable energy at the same time as they provide additional guest enhancements, including shade and shelter from direct sunlight, rain or snow.

The first section of the solar canopy plant is operational: 10 GWh will now be supplied per year – which is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of a city of 4,800 inhabitants.

As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship focusing on renewable energy, Disneyland Paris launched the construction of one of Europe’s largest solar canopy plants in 2020 that will cover its main guest parking lot – i.e 11 200 parking spaces. As previously announced, several phases structure this project that lasts until 2023. To date, over 46,000 panels have already been installed, covering over 7,000 parking spaces. This month of April is a new milestone in Disneyland Paris’ environmental commitment, as the first section of the solar plant is now operational, supplying 10 GWh per year – equivalent to the annual energy consumption of a city of 4,800 inhabitants.

The project developed through a co-investment with French company Urbasolar will encompass 20 hectares (49 acres) of solar canopies, using 82,000 solar panels to produce 36 Gwh/year. This is technically enough renewable clean energy to account for about 17% of the resort’s current electricity consumption – equivalent to the annual energy consumption of a city with 17,400 inhabitants.

“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” declares Damien Audric, Director of Development and Environment.

A project part of Disneyland Paris’ environmental strategy

The solar canopy plant is part of the constant efforts put in place by the company in six environmental focus areas: reducing GHG emissions; moving toward sustainable waste management – for example, by reducing the use of plastics; preserving water resources, including through the establishment of a wastewater treatment plant; developing a responsible supply chain; preserving and fostering biodiversity and supporting global actions to preserve the environment for future generations.

This is a great example of Disney Planet Possible, our global commitment to taking action to change our planet’s story through reducing our environmental footprint, caring for wildlife and their habitats, and creating stories that inspire action.

To mark Earth Day on 22 April, three National Geographic explorers will be presenting their actions in favour of the environment to 350 students from the Ile de France region, Cast Members and pre-registered visitors at a conference at the Walt Disney Studios. On the same day, guests will be able to view stunning images from National Geographic during an exclusive pre-show to Disney D-Light and Disney Illuminations. And at the end of April, the National Geographic photos exhibition “The Greatest Landscapes” will be accessible to all at Disney Village until the end of the summer.