As Earth Months begins Walt Disney World has also kicked off its new Disney Planet Possible. Part of this initiative includes the expansion of the solar power that feeds Walt Disney World. In fact, Disney announced it is building 2 new solar arrays in an effort to provide 40% of Walt Disney World’s energy from the sun!
The 2 new solar arrays are being built in conjunction with two prominent Solar Development companies. When they are completed, this will help reduce Walt Disney World’s carbon footprint and instead utilize green energy to power the magic of the most magical place on Earth.
These two new 75 MW (megawatt) solar arrays will be located in Gilchrist County and Polk County. They will cover over 1,000 total acres. This will allow Disney to “harness the sun’s power without depending on sunny skies in solely one area.” It will also make Disney one of the largest commercial consumers of solar energy in Florida. This will also be a step towards Walt Disney World achieving its goal of net-zero emissions by 2030.
It is expected that both of the solar arrays will be online by early 2023. With their completion, there will be nearly a half-million solar panels that are able to produce over 375,000 MWh (megawatt hours) of carbon-free solar energy in their first full year of operation alone. This would be the same as removing 29,500 cars off the roads every year.
Disney has a long-standing tradition of conservation of our planet. Expect more announcements to come out throughout Earth Month about other initiatives Disney is taking to help conserve Earth.
What do you think about these two new solar arrays? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
