Sustainability www.parkworld-online.com


Edinburgh Zoo Leading energy and solutions provider E.ON has begun the installation of a new solar panel array at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo as part of the wildlife conservation charity’s commitment to reduce its carbon footprint by 60 percent by 2030 and be net zero by 2040. Today, animals of Edinburgh Zoo inspected the


new solar panels being installed and gave their seal of approval. Popular zoo residents including meerkats, giraffes, armadillos and penguins all looked on as construction of the new solar meadow gets underway. Edinburgh Zoo’s solar meadow will feature more


than 1,500 bifacial solar photovoltaic (PV) panels1 which can potentially generate up to 880,000 kWh of power a year. The solar meadow is expected to generate around 25 percent of Edinburgh Zoo’s electricity consumption, with the 1,548 solar panels being installed on the site by the end of 2023. David Field, RZSS chief executive, says: “It’s vital


that we inspire people to protect, value and love nature, and that starts with ensuring we’re reducing our own carbon paw-print on site at our zoos. “Nature and nature-based solutions must be prioritised, and our new solar


installation with E.ON is a huge step in setting RZSS as a global exemplar for biodiversity and sustainability. The meadow is projected to generate up to 880,000 kWh a year, which represents a saving of 194 tonnes of CO2e, or 8% of our carbon annually. “Our charity plans to reduce its carbon footprint by 60% by 2030 and


develop a strategy to be net zero by 2040. When the solar meadow is complete, we’ll become the number one zoo in the UK for green energy generation, and number three in Europe.” Chris Lovatt, chief operating officer of UK Solutions at E.ON, says: “There’s


no greater positive link between energy and our environment than generating sustainable power and using it for wildlife conservation, and this agreement with RZSS delivers both an economic and environmental win. “This project contributes to the great work of RZSS and is just one of the


ways we’re working with customers at home, in business and across whole communities, taking climate action to help the UK meet its net zero targets and combat the climate crisis.”


Yas Bay Waterfront


Yas Bay Waterfront Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, has signed an agreement with Emerge, a joint venture between the UAE’s Masdar and France’s EDF, to develop a 524-kilowatt peak (kWp) solar photovoltaic (PV) project on Yas Bay Waterfront, Abu Dhabi’s vibrant day-to-night dining, entertainment and leisure destination located on Yas Island. The project is designed to offset 450 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The new solar project will feature the installation of 920 solar modules


at Yas Bay waterfront, providing sustainable energy support, with Emerge delivering a comprehensive turnkey solution, including finance, design, procurement, construction, operations, and maintenance of the solar modules for a duration of 30 years. Jonathan Brown, chief portfolio officer at Miral, says: “We are delighted


to join forces with Emerge once again to implement this innovative solar project at Yas Bay, as part of our commitment to the UAE’s strategic initiative to achieve Net Zero by 2050. This project will set a benchmark in supplying clean energy to power Yas Bay and further position Yas Island as a top global destination. Guided by an unwavering commitment to sustainability, this partnership represents our dedication to prioritising sustainable practices and incorporating renewable energy elements across our destinations.” Michel Abi Saab, general manager of Emerge, adds: “We are pleased to


once again partner with Miral to deliver this exciting solar project at Yas Bay and to further support their efforts towards a more sustainable future. We are confident the 524 KWp project will help to deliver high-quality and reliable clean energy to this premier entertainment destination, which attracts millions of visitors from home and abroad. With the UAE preparing to host COP28, this project demonstrates the sustainable impact that can be achieved across many other entertainment sites as we work towards the country’s Net Zero goal.” This marks the third collaboration between Miral and Emerge. In March


SeaWorld San Antonio Solar Canopy: Photo courtesy of SeaWorld OCTOBER 2023


2023, Miral Group inaugurated Abu Dhabi’s largest solar rooftop project at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. This remarkable green energy project incorporated approximately 16,000 solar modules across the theme park’s roof area of 36,000 square metres, producing nearly 40 percent of its annual energy demand and holding an impressive 7-megawatt peak (MWp) capacity. And earlier in 2022, Miral and Emerge signed an agreement to deploy on-site solar energy systems at the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi theme park with a capacity of 8.4 megawatts (MW).


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