Amazon has announced that all the energy consumers involved across its operations, including its data centers, corporate buildings, grocery stores and fulfillment centers, was matched with 100% renewable energy in 2023 – seven years ahead of its 2030 goal (set in 2019).
The company is now the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy in the world, according to Bloomberg NEF, and has invested billions of dollars in more than 500 solar and wind projects globally, which together are capable of generating enough energy to power the equivalent of 7.6 million US homes.
“By achieving its 100% renewable energy goal, Amazon has made it possible for hundreds of new solar and wind projects to be constructed, bringing new sources of clean energy to grids and communities around the world,” said Kyle Harrison, head of sustainability research at BloombergNEF. “Addressing climate change while balancing society’s skyrocketing energy demands is a massive challenge, and Amazon’s commitment to clean power demonstrates how a single company can help accelerate the transition to the low-carbon economy on a global scale.”
Evolving needs
According to Amazon, it will continue to evolve its approach to reaching net zero by 2040 as the need for different energy sources continues to change thanks to the increasing demand for generative AI, and it will also explore new carbon-free energy sources that can complement renewables and balance its needs.
“Reaching our renewable energy goal is an incredible achievement, and we’re proud of the work we’ve done to get here, seven years early. We also know that this is just a moment in time, and our work to decarbonize our operations will not always be the same each year – we’ll continue to make progress, while constantly evolving on our path to 2040,” said Amazon’s chief sustainability officer Kara Hurst.
“Our teams will remain ambitious and continue to do what is right for our business, our customers and the planet. That’s why we’ll continue investing in solar and wind projects, while supporting other forms of carbon-free energy, like nuclear, battery storage and emerging technologies that can help power our operations for decades to come.”
Discover more about Amazon’s renewable energy efforts here.