Dreamworld partnership with Origin Zero sees Australia’s largest theme park solar installation

Dreamworld is now home to the largest solar energy system at an Australian theme park, following the completion of a 708-kW installation with Origin Zero.

The system, installed on the roof of the loading station for the Steel Taipan rollercoaster, is expected to generate an estimated 21% of the park’s annual electricity usage, while helping to reduce its carbon emissions by an estimated 21% per year.

Explaining that the system will help power some of Dreamworld’s biggest attractions, including The Giant Drop, The Claw and Steel Taipan, Dwayne Clark, Director of Commercial and Facilities, for Dreamworld owner Ardent Leisure, explains “Ardent Leisure has been exploring the best avenues to reduce its environmental footprint at Dreamworld and this new solar installation and partnership with Origin marks a significant step in that process

“Given our location and the space we have on-site to maximise solar solutions, it became a simple decision for our business. We identified the longer-term reduction in energy costs far outweighed the upfront installation cost of the solar panels, as well as having a significant environmental benefit.”

The installation has been managed by Origin Zero - the team within Origin that supports Australian businesses to help optimise energy use, drive cost efficiencies, lower emissions and move towards their net zero goals.

Origin Zero General Manager of Business Development and Advisory, Liam McWhirter added “we’ve worked closely with Dreamworld to understand their business and utilise data and insights to identify the right solutions to suit their energy needs and ambitions.

“Dreamworld’s energy use is heaviest during the day, which makes the theme park perfectly placed to reap the benefits of solar - particularly when you consider Queensland weather.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Dreamworld to support their transition to cleaner and more cost-efficient energy solutions.”

The initial elements of the project are expected to be fully installed and operational by April 2024.

Image: Solar panels on the roof of the Steel Taipan coaster station at Dreamworld in Australia. Credit: Dreamworld.