Paultons Park in Hampshire has announced that the majority of its Tornado Springs area is now powered by solar energy, following a £1.5m investment in renewable infrastructure.

Since March, the theme park has generated 357 megawatt-hours of solar power – meeting 84 percent of Tornado Springs’ energy needs. This was achieved through the installation of solar car port canopies in the staff car park and solar panels on 11 buildings.

The solar setup has already saved 68 tonnes of CO2, with support from a battery energy storage system. The park is also implementing other sustainability initiatives, including motion-sensor LED lighting and energy-efficient motors for rides and vehicles.

“We are thrilled that our new solar infrastructure has already proven to be such a success and a hugely worthwhile investment,” commented Lawrence Mancey, marketing and technology director. “As a third-generation business, we’re committed to making tangible efforts to lower our environmental impact and do our bit to leave our planet in a better place than we found it.”

The park currently produces 35 percent of its total electricity on-site, with plans to increase this to 50 percent in the future.