Six Flags’ Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California, has become the first theme park on the West Coast to be powered by renewable energy.
Working in partnership with Borrego Solar Systems and sPower, the official switch to solar power at Discovery Kingdom was made during a special event to mark the theme park’s 12th Holiday in the Park.
The annual Holiday in the Park features festive F&B and themed entertainment, as well as visitors being able to ride of Six Flags’ iconic rides, rollercoasters and attractions.
Bob Sampayan, mayor of Vallejo, turned on a giant switch at the event, which lit up millions of Christmas lights powered by solar energy.
80% of the theme park is now powered by a 7.5-megawatt solar carport, which is one of the largest solar carports in the United States. The solar carport installation will create 11.9 million kilowatt hours of energy every year, offsetting around 8,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
Tom Iven, senior vice president of the US park operations, said: “We are thrilled to be introducing the nation’s first solar powered Holiday in the Park event.
“The marvellous wonder of this special time of year truly comes alive in our parks with a smorgasbord of seasonal delights to see and experience.”
