Barbados’ West Indies Rum Distillery announced a $1 million solar panel plant as part of an ultimate goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

According to a news release, the new solar plant is expected to generate an output of more than 400 kilowatts and is estimated to produce 747,000 KWH in the first year of operation which will provide for at least 20% of the electrical consumption of the distillery – or the equivalent of 100 local households.

West Indies Distillery has also retained a renewable energy consultant with 30 years of experience in the field to study, establish and transform the distillery.

“We are constantly researching innovative opportunities to further improve sustainable and socially responsible business practices,” Andrew Hassell, Managing Directorof the distillery, said. “We also have new and ambitious environmental goals and we are looking at innovative systems in order to stop the use of fossil fuels altogether and to reduce our total energy usage.”

The distillery also has other plans in the pipeline to assist with the reduction of carbon emissions that will go into effect later this year.