Disney is actively developing green energy initiatives at its parks, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2020 compared to 2012 levels. Disney in Florida will commission a new solar power plant by the end of this year. This power plant, located next to Disney's Animal Kingdom, consists of over 500,000 solar panels arranged in the shape of Mickey Mouse, generating 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity. This power plant will help Disney reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its global parks by 50% by 2020 compared to 2012 levels. Robert Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products, stated, "We're putting magic into our Disney parks around the world to continuously reduce our environmental carbon footprint." According to Disney, the solar power plant will generate enough electricity to power 10,000 homes annually, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 57,000 tons per year, equivalent to taking 9,300 cars off the road. Renewable Energy: Disney Plays a Key Role. The energy from the solar power plant will not go directly into Disney theme parks but will instead flow into the local power grid. As consumers increasingly value companies' green energy initiatives, Disney has become a key supporter of renewable energy. A 2017 study by Cone Communications showed that 79% of consumers said they prefer to buy products from companies that are socially or environmentally responsible. Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney's Animals, Science, and Environment team, stated, "Customers tell us that environmental protection is crucial, and for Disney, that's a big deal. Disney is not just about creating unparalleled entertainment experiences for our customers, but also about being a responsible global citizen." Disney's solar and renewable energy initiatives are not limited to the United States; they are also being implemented in its overseas parks. Tokyo Disneyland's Electronic Parade is powered by solar panels on the rooftops of eight buildings within the park, generating over 600 kilowatts of electricity. Disneyland Paris uses geothermal energy to power its two theme parks and a hotel; Shanghai Disneyland uses combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60%. However, Disney's green energy initiatives have not been without challenges. For example, in 2015, when Disney wanted to green its bus fleet, senior executives initially considered electric buses, but they later discovered that the carbon emissions reduction from electric buses was not higher than that from using bioenergy. The Mickey Solar Power Plant is a real eye-catcher. While some renewable energy advocates may want Disney to do more to further reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, Disney's green energy policies have already set a precedent. Gregory Wetstone, director of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), stated that Disney's efforts in green energy are a significant force in changing the national grid. Five years ago, few companies would proactively develop renewable energy; now, most large corporations know how to do it. Partnering with energy companies is one way for companies to develop green energy. Disney's solar power plant in Central Florida is a collaboration with the Reedy Creek Improvement District and solar project developer Origis Energy USA. Disney declined to disclose the financial terms of its renewable energy plan. Furthermore, the "Mickey Solar Power Plant" at Disney Florida, which opened in 2016, is a collaboration with Duke Energy. Located outside the Epcot Center theme park, the most distinctive feature of this power plant is that 48,000 solar panels are arranged to form Mickey Mouse's head. Source: Commercial Times (October 21, 2018) (Edited by PIDC)
