A new solar panel installation has been unveiled at Ireland's leading family-run theme park and zoo.

The installation at Emerald Park in Ashbourne, County Meath, forms a key component of a new five-year sustainability partnership with Flogas and features over 290 solar panels strategically placed throughout the park, generating 127,504 kWh of clean energy per year. This is enough to power the entire theme park and zoo solely on solar energy for a full month and reduce Emerald Park's carbon footprint by 37 tonnes of CO2 annually.

The investment in solar panels is expected to save Emerald Park over €30,000 annually in energy costs, potentially amounting to as much as €1 million over the panels' lifespan, based on current energy prices. This investment is projected to pay for itself in approximately five years.

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"We are delighted to partner with Emerald Park to implement this solar energy solution," said John Rooney, Managing Director at Flogas.

"This project demonstrates the significant benefits that solar energy can provide to the leisure sector. Flogas is committed to supporting businesses in their transition to clean, renewable energy."

In addition to the solar panel installation, the partnership includes the installation of 20 electric vehicle (EV) charging units in the park's car park, supporting eco-friendly travel for guests to the theme park.

Flogas and Emerald Park will work together to explore further sustainable energy solutions, including Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) to align electricity usage with wind or solar projects and battery storage initiatives to enhance energy efficiency.