Royal Caribbean Cruises is to offset 12% of its greenhouse gas emissions through a deal with Southern Power linked to the 200MW Reading wind farm in Kansas.
The deal, which will be validated as a carbon offset project under the Verified Carbon Standard, gives Southern the economic basis to build the wind farm.
RES developed Reading and will build the project in Osage and Lyon counties starting in the second quarter of next year.
The wind farm will feature 62 Siemens Gamesa turbines and is scheduled to be operational by the second quarter of 2020. Southern will operate and maintain the facility when it comes online.
It is expected to generate about 760,000 megawatt-hours of electricity a year over the duration of the 12-year agreement.
Royal Caribbean Cruises chairman and chief executive Richard Fain said: “This agreement complements our longstanding strategic initiatives to reduce the company’s emissions and become a more sustainable operator.
“We are constantly looking for new ways to reduce our environmental footprint, both in the short and long term, and thanks to our partnership with Southern Power this is the latest step in our journey.”
Southern Power president and chief executive Mark Lantrip said: “Southern Power is thrilled to partner with Royal Caribbean to provide the company with a carbon offset project that will further complement Royal Caribbean’s expansive sustainability initiatives.
“Reading Wind celebrates the first project in our joint development agreement with RES America Developments qualifying for 100% production tax credits and is an important addition to Southern Power’s portfolio.
“We’re proud to support Royal Caribbean’s innovative approach toward advancing its sustainability through this project.”