Amazon, the global tech giant, has announced that it was the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy worldwide in 2023. As part of its commitment to reach net zero by 2040, the company invested in over 100 new solar and wind energy projects, solidifying its position as a leader in sustainability.
According to an analysis by BloombergNEF, Amazon secured more power purchase agreements (PPAs) than any other company last year, surpassing its clean energy acquisitions since 2020. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone for Amazon’s renewable energy initiatives.
With a portfolio of over 500 wind and solar projects across the globe, Amazon aims to generate more than 77,000 GWh of clean energy annually. These projects are expected to power not only Amazon’s data centers and fulfillment centers but also its physical stores and corporate offices. Furthermore, they will provide a sustainable source of power to the local communities in which they are located.
“More than 90 percent of our operations were powered by renewables last year, but we’re not done,” stated Adam Selipsky, CEO of AWS.
“We’re focused on continuing to find innovative ways to bring new projects online, address grid constraints, and work with policymakers to mitigate the impacts of climate change, all of which is helping Amazon move closer to achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2025.”
While Amazon’s commitment to sustainability is commendable, critics have raised concerns about the transparency of its efforts. Unlike its competitors, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud, AWS does not offer customers a tool to choose data centers based on emissions or publish the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) rating of its facilities. These factors have led to skepticism regarding the effectiveness of Amazon’s green credentials.
Addressing these concerns, Amazon remains dedicated to continuous improvement. The company is exploring time-based procurements as a method to match energy consumption hour-by-hour with green energy. This approach, which has been adopted by Microsoft and Google, can further drive progress towards achieving net zero emissions.
Amazon’s commitment to renewable energy aligns with its ambitious goal of reaching net zero by 2040. By leveraging its influence as the world’s largest buyer of renewable energy, Amazon reinforces its position as a leader in the global sustainability movement.
Source: Data Center Dynamics
