Company Leads the Industry as the World’s Largest For-Profit Organization Site Powered by Renewable Energy with Addition of 12.37-Megawatt Solar Carport Structure
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE:SIX), the world’s largest regional theme park company and largest operator of water parks in North America, in partnership with Solar Optimum and DSD Renewables (DSD), today announced the installation of a new 12.37-megawatt solar carport and energy storage system at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Los Angeles. The project will rank as the largest single-site commercial renewable energy project in California and largest solar project allocated toward a for-profit organization in the United States, distinguishing Six Flags as a leader in the industry.
“Here in California, innovation and climate action go hand-in-hand – our success as America’s economic powerhouse and the world’s fourth largest economy is built on our ambitious transition to a cleaner, greener future. Six Flags’ commitment to clean energy is the type of work that will power our future and ensure our kids have a healthy planet to call home,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom.
“This is a thrilling day for Six Flags as we advance our commitment to environmental stewardship, substantially increasing solar power generation capacity at our parks,” said Jason Freeman, Six Flags Vice President of Operations, Public Safety, Engineering & Maintenance. “Six Flags has placed a high priority on efforts to improve and protect the environment, leading the way for theme park companies around the world and capturing the attention of other private organizations that also have the power to drive solar projects. By partnering with experts like Solar Optimum and DSD Renewables, we can continue to improve our environmental programs with additional waste, water and energy reduction targets and initiatives,” he added.
Key facts about the Six Flags Magic Mountain solar installation include:
- 12.37-megawatt solar carport built over the main guest parking lot;
- Battery storage system producing 1.958 megawatts of power with 7,886.3 kilowatt hours of capacity that can be deployed daily;
- Producing 20.8 million kilowatt hours of energy annually, which is equivalent to the electricity consumption of 2,874 homes and 1.79 million smartphones charged;
- Offset greenhouse gas emissions each year comparable to 34,194 barrels of oil consumed, 5,110 tons of waste recycled rather than landfilled, and 17,612 acres of U.S. forests;
- Will offset carbon dioxide equivalents each year comparable to taking 3,182 cars off the road, 37.8 million miles driven by an average gasoline-powered automobile, and 1.6 million gallons of gasoline consumed;
- Producing 517.89 million kilowatt hours of energy in a 25-year period, which offsets greenhouse gas energy consumption equivalent to 911 million miles driven by gasoline-powered automobiles and the carbon sequestration equivalent to 434.3 thousand acres of trees planted;
- The park will be able to offset 100% of its energy usage with solar power; and
- Six Flags Magic Mountain will be home to the largest single-site commercial solar energy project in California and largest for any for-profit organization in the world.
In addition to the Six Flags Magic Mountain installation, two additional parks—Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Northern California and Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey—have also developed on-site solar capabilities with over 30 megawatts of fully-operational solar power systems installed. These three sites will rank as the largest volume of onsite Solar PV systems for any U.S. organization, with a combined total of 42.37 megawatts.
“We’re honored to partner with Six Flags and Solar Optimum on this solar-plus-storage project through DSD’s Developer Network and commend Six Flags’ commitment to onsite renewables,” said Danielle Fidel, Senior Director, Developer Network at DSD. “Using their parking lot for solar canopies will not only offset 100 percent of the park’s energy use, it will also provide the added benefit of shaded parking for customers. A win-win for everyone.”
“Six Flags is already an onsite renewables trailblazer, and with this project, they will continue to break records,” said Arno Aghamalian, Solar Optimum CEO and Founder. “We are proud of the partnership we have helped establish between DSD, Six Flags, and Solar Optimum, as we add to their portfolio of sites and work to offset all their loads with solar and batteries. As utility prices inevitably increase, these projects reduce costs, decrease their carbon footprint, and ultimately provide more value to the customer with much desired shared. The future of solar has never looked brighter, and we’re excited to lead the change with our trusted partners.”
For 62 years, Six Flags has been committed to protecting and improving the environment and its communities, striving toward the expansion of sustainability and ESG-related initiatives and efforts. By actively working to reduce the environmental impact of its amusement park operations, the company continues to make meaningful advancements in adopting solar power throughout its operations and otherwise reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For more information regarding Six Flags’ sustainability and ESG-related initiatives, visit sixflags.com.
About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with 27 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For nearly 62 years, Six Flags has entertained hundreds of millions of guests with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions. Six Flags is committed to creating an inclusive environment that fully embraces the diversity of our team members and guests. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.
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About Solar Optimum
Solar Optimum is a Los Angeles-based solar, battery storage and roofing company that provides homeowners and businesses in California, Nevada, and Arizona with progressive, premium energy solutions – with unmatched value. Since 2008, Solar Optimum has been on a mission to educate and inspire its customers to become 100% energy independent, and with over 300 MW installed, thousands of customers have now reached that goal.
Solar Optimum’s premier certifications, top-of-the-line products and warranties, and award-winning customer service have earned Solar Optimum the position as the #1 ranked California EPC for Solar and Battery Storage and #2 ranked National EPC for Solar and Storage (in the Residential and Commercial category) according to Solar Power World International. To learn more, visit www.SolarOptimum.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
About DSD Renewables
DSD Renewables (DSD) is transforming the way organizations harness clean energy while building a more sustainable future. With unparalleled capabilities including development, structured financing, project acquisition and long-term asset ownership, DSD accelerates the deployment of renewable energy resources and creates significant value for our commercial, industrial, and municipal customers and partners. Backed by world-leading financial partners, our team brings a distinct combination of ingenuity, rigor, and accountability to every project we manage, acquire, own, and maintain. To learn more, visit DSDRenewables.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
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