Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the world’s largest regional theme park company, in partnership with JLL (NYSE:JLL), a global professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management, today announced an ambitious new initiative to power two more of its parks—Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California and Six Flags Magic Mountain, near Los Angeles—almost entirely with solar power.
“We are committed to making all of our properties more energy efficient and sustainable for years to come,” said Six Flags Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Treasurer, Steve Purtell. “California’s support of renewable energy, the solar potential in the state, and the environmental benefits associated with solar energy made this the right decision for our guests, our team members, and our communities.”
JLL, through a collaboration between its Capital Markets and Clean Energy experts, served as project advisors and Six Flags’ designated agent to select a leading renewable energy Independent Power Producer, who will build, own and operate the systems in California.
“From the onset, JLL worked with Six Flags to identify the benefits of implementing this renewable energy purchasing strategy and hosting the projects on-property,” said Blake Lacher, Managing Director, JLL Capital Markets, Americas. “Bringing all of the partners together early on in the process allowed for greater transparency in ensuring the objectives were clearly identified. Timely and clear communication with stakeholders and decision-makers on all sides was imperative to reach this milestone.”
When it becomes operational, the system at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will exceed 7 megawatts of electricity generated. Six Flags Magic Mountain’s system will have capacity for nearly 15 megawatts and will be the largest solar carport anywhere in North America.
“This unprecedented solar PV program exemplifies the multiple benefits a well-designed onsite solar project may offer,” said Kyle Goehring, Vice President and Director of Clean Energy for JLL. “The solar economic benefits at these sites is immense, and JLL is honored to help Six Flags become the entertainment industry market leader in renewable energy.”
In addition to generating a large percentage of the parks’ electricity, the solar carport structures provide a number of enhancements to the guest experience, including:
Covered parking for the majority of parking spaces;
Integrated electric vehicle charging stations;
Increased security through new closed circuit cameras; and
Enhanced parking lot surfaces.
Separately, Six Flags recently announced that Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey will soon begin construction of a solar energy project. In addition to these three announced plans, the company is investigating other opportunities at more parks across its North America portfolio.
“Six Flags has pioneered a long lists of firsts in its 57-year history and as good stewards of the environment, we are excited to apply the latest green technology and create eco-friendly parks for future generations to enjoy,” added Purtell.