Walt Disney World Unveils New Solar Facility

With Earth Day just around the corner, Walt Disney World is unveiling their new 270-acre, 50-megawatt solar facility. The facility is built in collaboration with Reedy Creek Improvement District and the solar developer Origis Energy USA.

The new facility is located adjacent to State Road 429. It is expected to generate enough renewable clean energy to operate two of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks annually. This will also significantly reduce net greenhouse emissions by tens of thousands of tons per year. This project in a part of the goal The Walt Disney Company launched that by 2020 they will reduce their emissions by 50% compared to 2012.

“At Disney, every day is Earth Day, and we hope our guests and cast members will be as inspired and amazed as we are at what this new solar facility means for our community and planet,” said Angie Renner, Environmental Integration Director, Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “This is an ambitious step forward for our renewable energy efforts.”

In addition to providing clean energy, the solar facility is also providing an important habitat for native wildlife in Central Florida. Disney environmental and horticulture experts worked together to help make more than two-thirds of the facility pollinator friendly. They have a goal of creating a nurturing and welcoming habitat for butterflies, bees and other insects. This includes endangered and at-risk species. The team is also managing and monitoring an experimental garden at the facility. They will conduct research to further enhance the habitat. This effort to safeguard pollinators is a part of the Disney Conservation Fund’s ongoing focus to saving wildlife, including butterflies.

Some Interesting Facts:

• The facility features over half a million solar panels, spans 270 acres and is capable of reaching 50 megawatts of power.
• During peak sun hours, up to 25% of Walt Disney World’s power needs will be met through solar energy.
• The facility will generate enough renewable clean energy to power two of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks annually.
• This is the largest solar facility in Orange County at 50 megawatts.
• This solar facility will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50,000 tons per year, the equivalent of removing about 10,000 cars from the roads annually.
• Disney environmental and horticulture experts helped make more than two-thirds of the facility pollinator friendly with plant species that attract insects like butterflies and bees.
• This solar facility provides power to Walt Disney World Resort, the largest single-site employer in the country.

This new solar facility represents Disney park operation’s largest endeavor in solar energy to date. In 2016, Walt Disney World unveiled a 22-acre, 5-megawatt solar facility that is shaped like Mickey Mouse. This facility was a part of a collaboration with Reddy Creek Improvement District and Duke Energy. Both of the facilities are helping Disney’s long term sustainability goals. These goals include reaching zero net greenhouse gas emissions, reaching zero waste, reducing single-use plastics, and conserving water resources. These efforts build on the longtime commitment to the environment by The Walt Disney Company. As a Disney Nerd, we all know that this commitment all began with Walt Disney himself and has grown through the creativity and passion of the cast members.

What do you think about this great new solar facility at Walt Disney World?

(All Photos Courtesy of Disney)