Amazon has recently unveiled the addition of 39 new renewable energy projects in Europe this year, contributing over one gigawatt of clean energy capacity to various European grids.
Amazon has recently unveiled the addition of 39 new renewable energy projects in Europe this year, contributing over one gigawatt of clean energy capacity to various European grids.
The company has now established a presence with over 160 wind and solar projects spread across 13 countries in Europe. Once operational, these initiatives are projected to furnish 5.8 gigawatts of clean energy capacity, capable of sustaining more than 4.7 million households in Europe annually.
This latest development encompasses the installation of 15 rooftop solar facilities on Amazon properties and the implementation of 24 large-scale wind and solar ventures, including the inaugural solar farm in Greece. This marks a noteworthy stride following the launch of their first large-scale solar farm in Poland last year. Amazon’s investments in these regions play a pivotal role in expediting the shift towards sustainable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Lindsay McQuade, Director of Energy, EMEA at Amazon, emphasized the significance of these endeavors, stating, “With more than 160 wind and solar projects in Europe, Amazon is helping to provide new sources of clean energy to local grids, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses as we progress toward powering our operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025.”
Amazon’s ventures in renewable energy have also had a substantial impact on local economies. Between 2014 and 2022, their wind and solar projects in Europe are estimated to have generated around €2.4 billion in investments and contributed over €723 million to the region’s gross domestic product (GDP). In 2022 alone, these projects supported the equivalent of over 3,900 full-time jobs.
This economic model, endorsed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and validated by Oxford Economics, serves as a testament to the tangible benefits of Amazon’s commitment to renewable energy. It applies to utility-scale renewable energy projects initiated between 2014 and 2022, or those projected to commence operations in 2023 as a result of Amazon’s investments in Power Purchase Agreements.
Amazon’s extensive investments in solar and wind projects have positioned it as the foremost corporate procurer of renewable energy in Europe, a distinction held since 2021. These recent projects encompass rooftop solar initiatives in Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, along with new large-scale solar and wind endeavors located in Finland, Germany, Greece, Spain, Sweden, and the UK.
Looking ahead, Amazon is resolutely committed to powering its operations, including Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers, fulfillment centers, and physical stores, with 100% renewable energy by 2025—a commendable five years ahead of the original 2030 target. Notably, in 2022, a significant 90% of the electricity consumed by Amazon globally was sourced from renewable energy outlets.