Disneyland Paris has launched the phased development of what will be one of the largest solar canopy power plants in Europe.
The French theme park is investing in the installation with French developer Urbasolar, a subsidiary of Swiss energy company Axpo.
Construction began in July and is expected to be completed in 2023, with the first phase expected to complete in 2021.
The solar canopy will cover 17 hectares, comprise 67,500 panels and will generate 31 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity a year.
Technically this will be enough renewable energy to account for about 17% of the resort’s current electricity consumption.
Once the full project is completed, a section of it will light up at night in the shape of a Mickey Mouse head, visible from the sky.
The solar canopy will be located at the resort’s main guest parking lot and will also provide visitors with shade and shelter from direct sunlight, rain or snow.
Disneyland Paris president Natacha Rafalski said: “Environmental innovation and stewardship are a tradition that began with Walt Disney himself, and this ambitious solar power project is the latest in our commitment to the environment at Disneyland Paris.
“It is our responsibility as a business and leading tourist destination to contribute to the long-term sustainability of our resort and the region through environmentally responsible practices.”
Urbaolar CEO Stephanie Andrieu said: “This power plant is an unprecedent project in Europe from a major company like Disneyland Paris.
“It will be a fully tailor-made project, integrated into Urbasolar’s strategy of innovation on system monitoring and on-site energy management. We are thrilled to be part of this project.”