Generate – March 18, 2019

The Epcot Center at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Photo: Education Images/UIG via Getty Images

Axios Expert Voices contributor Maggie Teliska explains the significance that Disney World in Orlando flipped the switch Feb.

27 on a new 50-megawatt solar farm, which produces enough electricity to power 10,000 homes.

Why it matters: Amusement parks and resorts consume lots of energy during the day at peak hours.

 Installing renewables in a visible way not only reduces carbon emissions, but also displays a commitment to sustainability to park-goers. 

By the numbers: Built in collaboration with Reedy Creek Improvement District and Origis Energy USA, the farm comprises 518,000 solar panels and sits on a 270-acre plot adjacent to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

It will generate 50 megawatts to power two of the four Orlando resort properties annually, or 25% of the entire Disney property.The project is expected to reduce greenhouse emissions by 57,000 tons, tantamount to removing 9,300 cars from the road.

What’s next: Disney has launched initiatives to reduce emissions in its organization to 50% of 2012 levels by 2020. 

Other theme parks are announcing plans to use renewables, including Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, which aims to open the first solar-powered theme park in 2020.

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Teliska is a technical specialist at Caldwell Intellectual Property Law, an intellectual property law firm, and CTO of Regent Power. She’s also a member of GLG, a platform connecting businesses with industry experts.

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