Walt Disney World Resort is on a mission to be more eco-friendly than ever, and it took a big step forward this week. As part of the Disney Planet Possible initiative, WDW announced that it will more than double solar power at the resort with two new arrays.
More Disney World Solar Power in 2023
Back in December 2020, Disney announced its 2030 Environmental Goals. Targeting areas like waste reduction, sustainable energy, and water usage, these goals pave a path to a cleaner, better world by the end of the decade.
Two of the most ambitious targets for 2030 are net-zero emissions in all direct operations and using 100% zero-carbon electricity. Solar energy will play a huge part in this, and the two new arrays at Walt Disney World Resort show that very fact.
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks/YouTube
The arrays will be located in Gilchrist County and Polk County, covering more than 1,000 acres and delivering 75 megawatts of solar power each. Together, the arrays will include around 500,000 solar panels, generating a combined 375,000 megawatt-hours of zero-carbon power.
Combined with other solar sources, these arrays will account for 40 percent of all the electricity needed to power Walt Disney World Resort in 2023. Now if only they could find a way to harness the power of smiles…
In 2019, Disney Parks Blog shared a behind-the-scenes tour of their solar power facility, which is 270-acres and 50-megawatts.
Disney Forges Ahead Toward 2030 Goals
Disney offers plastic-free packaging for these classic dolls. Photo courtesy of Disney
This is only the start of what’s to come with Disney Planet Possible. Other examples of Disney’s efforts for greater sustainability include
- New solar arrays at Castaway Cay as well as Hong Kong Disneyland
- Reducing operational waste sent to landfills by 61%
- Offering plastic-free packaging for a line of classic dolls
Photo courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
In terms of the 2030 Environmental Goals, Disney is setting aggressive targets in the fight to combat climate change.
- Zero waste to landfill for all wholly owned and operated parks by 2030
- 30% recycled content in all plastics
- Construction projects in the U.S. and Europe will diver 90% of all waste from landfills
And with Earth Day coming on April 22, you can bet Disney has more good, green news up its sleeve for the month.
Do you use solar energy at your home or business? Visit the WDW Magazine Facebook page and share the benefits you’ve seen from going green.
Disney Continues Conservation Efforts with New Reusable Bags
