The completion of a major solar energy installation at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, US, has made the park the first in the world to be almost entirely powered by the sun.
Six Flags has worked with KDC Solar on the 23.5-megawatt project, making it almost completely powered by solar energy, while also generating clean energy that can be exported to the local grid to serve nearby homes and businesses.
The installation includes 11MW of solar carports in three parking lots and 12.5MW of solar power from 40 acres of ground-mounted panels. The park says it has now dramatically reduced its carbon footprint and is ranked as the largest metered solar project in New Jersey.
The theme park recycles more than 60 per cent of its annual waste and has been converting to furniture products such as tables and park benches that comprise recycled plastic. It's also eliminated the use of paper towels in favour of energy-efficient hand dryers.
John Winkler, president of Six Flags Great Adventure, said the project represented a great step towards becoming a net-zero carbon facility. "We are continually searching for new ways to operate more efficiently and enhance our role as good stewards of the environment," he added.
