Amazon has announced that it has achieved its goal of operating with 100% renewable energy, seven years ahead of schedule. The company, which had set the deadline for 2030, has become the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy worldwide, a recognition it has received for the past four years, according to Bloomberg NEF.
A Milestone in Sustainability
The company has invested billions of dollars in over 500 solar and wind projects worldwide, generating enough energy to power approximately 7.6 million homes in the United States. This achievement represents a significant advancement in Amazon’s commitment to its Climate Pledge, which aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.
Amazon’s investment in renewable energy spans 27 countries, with significant projects in India, Greece, South Africa, Japan, and Indonesia. Among the notable developments is the Delta Wind Farm in Mississippi, which not only provides carbon-free energy for Amazon’s operations but also supports the local community through economic benefits derived from the wind farm development.
In Europe, Amazon has led the way in the purchase of offshore wind energy, backing nearly 1.7 GW of capacity through six offshore wind farms. These projects are designed to supply power to approximately 1.8 million European households. The first operational offshore wind farm, powered by Amazon, is located off the coast of the Netherlands and has a capacity exceeding 750 MW.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Amazon has facilitated over 80 renewable energy projects, including the first onshore wind farm and the first large-scale solar project in Japan. In this country, the company owns a total of 20 projects, including 14 solar installations on local Amazon building roofs and six off-site wind and solar projects.
Modernizing the Electrical Grid
Amazon is also focused on modernizing the electrical grid to integrate new sources of renewable energy. The company is working in collaboration with energy regulators and has co-founded the Emissions First Partnership, with the goal of encouraging investments in renewable energy in regions that heavily rely on fossil fuels.
Amazon’s achievement not only marks progress towards its sustainability goals but also sets a precedent in the industry by demonstrating the positive impact significant investments in renewable energy can have globally. The company continues to advance its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting a greener and more accessible energy transition.