After almost two years of construction, Disneyland Paris has begun operating the first section of their solar canopy plant — just in time for Earth Day.

The canopies have been incorporated into the main guest parking lot, creating shade and shelter for the cars below. Over 46,000 photovoltaic panels have already been installed, covering 7,000 parking spaces.

The first section will supply 10 GWh per year, equivalent to the annual energy consumption of a city with 4,800 inhabitants.

The plant was developed through a co-investment with Urbasolar. When completed in 2023, it will have 82,000 solar panels producing 36 GWh per year, which is equivalent to the annual energy consumption of a city with 17,400 inhabitants. It will contribute to the reduction of local greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 890 tons of CO2 per year.

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

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