Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has signed an agreement with Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Co., for Southern Power’s 200 MW Reading Wind Facility in Kansas.
The agreement is expected to offset up to 12% of Royal Caribbean’s emissions, beginning in 2020. Notably, the deal also provides Southern Power with the economic basis to construct the project. Royal Caribbean was advised on the execution of the agreement by Schneider Electric Energy & Sustainability Services.
The project, Southern Power’s 11th wind facility, will be located in Osage and Lyon counties. The wind farm is expected to generate roughly 760,000 MWh/year over the duration of the 12-year agreement, which translates to enough clean energy to offset 10%-12% of Royal Caribbean’s annual carbon emissions.
“This agreement complements our long-standing strategic initiatives to reduce the company’s emissions and become a more sustainable operator,” comments Richard D. Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “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 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,” says Southern Power’s president and CEO, Mark Lantrip. “Reading Wind celebrates the first project in our joint development agreement with RES America Developments Inc. (RES), qualifying for 100 percent production tax credits, and is an important addition to Southern Power’s portfolio.”
The project was originally developed by RES, which will lead the construction of the project alongside Southern Power. Comprising 62 Siemens Gamesa turbines, the wind farm is expected to break ground in the second quarter of 2019 and be complete by the second quarter of 2020. Southern Power will operate and maintain the facility upon completion.
