Amazon to use solar and wind energy to power 100% of global operations in 2023

Amazon announced Wednesday that it has achieved its 100% renewable energy goal seven years ahead of schedule, with a caveat.

Instead of relying on clean energy to power its facilities, Amazon has acquired corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) that align with the Seattle-based giant’s operations, which has seen the company invest billions of dollars in more than 500 solar and wind projects around the world.

These projects generate enough energy to power 21.9 million European homes, the company said in a press release.

The goal — initially set for 2030 — covers all of Amazon’s global operations, including data centers, corporate buildings, grocery stores, and fulfillment centers. The move also ensured the company would maintain its position as the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy.

“By achieving its 100% renewable energy goal, Amazon has enabled hundreds of new solar and wind projects, providing new sources of clean energy to grids and communities around the world,” added Kyle Harrison, head of sustainability research at Bloomberg NEF.

“Addressing climate change while meeting society’s rapidly growing energy needs is a huge challenge, and Amazon’s commitment to clean energy demonstrates how a single company can help accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy on a global scale.”

Expanding Clean Energy Around the World

Amazon’s renewable energy projects span 27 countries, including India, Greece, South Africa, Japan and Indonesia. In Europe alone, the company operates almost 1.7 GW of offshore wind capacity across six wind farms, making Amazon the largest corporate buyer of offshore wind power in the world.

Projects such as Moray West in Scotland and East Anglia THREE in Suffolk are expected to generate enough energy to power 1.8 million average European homes when fully operational.

In the Asia-Pacific region, Amazon has enabled more than 80 renewable energy projects in India, Australia, China, Japan and other countries. The company also unveiled its first onshore wind farm. The 33-megawatt project in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, will be joined by a 9.5-megawatt utility-scale stand-alone solar farm in Kudamatsu, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

In the United States, Amazon has launched Mississippi’s first utility-scale wind farm, Delta Wind, which generates zero-emission energy to power nearby Amazon data centers. The company also says the wind farm will benefit local residents by providing income for farmers and funding future grid upgrades.

Changing needs in a difficult world

While the company has already celebrated its first milestone, Amazon has acknowledged there will be challenges on the path to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

The growing demand for generative AI and other technologies is changing Amazon’s energy needs, which is why the company is exploring new sources of carbon-free energy, such as nuclear and battery storage, to complement its renewable energy portfolio.

The company also works with energy regulators to support grid improvements and remove obstacles to permitting. The world needs to add or replace 80 million kilometers of grid by 2040 to meet climate goals, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The company remains focused on its long-term sustainability goals amid skepticism about transparency in its renewable energy claims. “Our teams will remain ambitious and continue to do what’s right for our company, our customers and the planet,” Hurst said.

The company’s sustainability report also revealed that the company reduced its carbon footprint by 3% last year, and its carbon intensity decreased by 13%. Amazon is also taking steps to reduce its plastic usage and is also investing in climate tech startups.