CDA Launches Sustainability Initiative at Futuroscope
A 5.3 MWp solar plant in solar carports is now operational at Futuroscope | Photo: Courtesy of Compagnie des Alpes.
(eap) The French operating group Compagnie des Alpes (CDA), whose portfolio currently comprises 13 leisure parks, has reached a first milestone in its large-scale solar energy programme with the commissioning of a photovoltaic installation at Futuroscope. In cooperation with the Paris-based solar project developer GreenYellow, the company has now realised the first installation of the programme. The system has been implemented in the form of PV carports on the theme park’s parking area. It reaches a maximum capacity of 5.3 MWp (megawatt-peak) and is expected to generate around 6.3 GWh (gigawatt-hours) of electricity per year, which will be used directly within the park.
As part of the programme, CDA intends to equip two additional parks with corresponding PV installations: Walibi Rhône-Alpes and Parc Astérix. In total, the three leisure parks are expected to achieve a combined photovoltaic capacity of more than 18 MWp. By producing renewable energy on site, the company aims to secure the energy supply of its parks while simultaneously improving their CO₂ balance. The installation is also expected to provide benefits for visitors: the parking canopies offer shade and protection from the weather. In addition, a total of 40 charging stations for electric vehicles have been installed directly at the Futuroscope site. The self-consumption agreement concluded between CDA and GreenYellow has a term of 25 years.
Dominique Thillaud, Chief Executive Officer of Compagnie des Alpes, says: “The commissioning of the Futuroscope solar plant marks a major step in our strategy to expand the production of renewable energy for self-consumption across our sites. With this program, deployed simultaneously across three emblematic locations, Compagnie des Alpes is accelerating its ambition: to eventually produce more than 15% of its total electricity consumption through photovoltaics. Our partnership with GreenYellow enables us to move quickly toward a controlled low-carbon trajectory, while also offering sustainable mobility solutions to our visitors.” ■
