Amazon is intensifying its push for renewable energy in Spain with the announcement of 17 new solar and wind projects. This substantial investment brings Amazon’s total commitment in the country to 94 renewable projects, collectively generating over 3.7 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy. This capacity is sufficient to power more than 2.3 million Spanish households annually.
A significant portion of this initiative comprises 63 large-scale wind and solar farms, playing a crucial role in reducing Spain’s reliance on fossil fuels. Concurrently, Amazon marked a significant milestone by launching its inaugural renewable project in Portugal. These endeavors underscore Amazon’s dedication to sustainability, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040—ten years ahead of the Paris Agreement’s target.
Lindsay McQuade, Amazon’s Chief Energy Officer in EMEA, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing essential infrastructure and services to customers while striving for more sustainable operational practices. McQuade highlighted the importance of investing in energy sources and networks to leverage the full potential of new technologies. Amazon’s proactive approach has led to the promotion of over 230 solar and wind projects across Europe, establishing the company as the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy in Europe and globally by 2024.
Spain’s latest renewable energy projects span across five regions: Aragon, Andalusia, Castilla y León, Catalonia, and Extremadura. Among these projects, a notable solar farm in Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca, stands out as one of Amazon’s most significant renewable endeavors in Spain. Scheduled for completion in 2025, this plant will boast a capacity of 212 MW, with Iberdrola spearheading the project with an investment of nearly €200 million. The project is expected to create 800 jobs and stimulate the local economy.
In May, Amazon unveiled 12 new off-site renewable energy projects in Spain, adding 596 MW of capacity. This included the installation of 49 off-site facilities, comprising 9 wind farms, 40 solar plants, and 30 solar rooftops. These agreements augmented Amazon’s total renewable capacity in Spain to over 2.9 GW, further solidifying its commitment to clean energy initiatives in the region.
Amazon’s renewable energy projects in Spain not only contribute to lower carbon emissions but also bolster the country’s renewable energy supply. These projects create employment opportunities, drive technological innovation by integrating AI and cloud computing, and enhance air quality by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Amazon is poised to revolutionize Portugal’s renewable energy landscape with the Tâmega Wind Complex, set to become the country’s largest wind farm. This project aims to combine wind and hydro energy for improved storage and supply capabilities, situated near the Tâmega hydroelectric complex. The wind farm will pump water into the Tâmega reservoir, allowing for electricity generation during peak demand periods. With an investment of €350 million, this project led by Iberdrola will add 219 MW of clean energy and is anticipated to create over 700 jobs, providing a significant economic boost to the local community.
Amazon has achieved its global target of utilizing 100% renewable energy ahead of schedule, powering approximately 24.3 million homes in Europe. These clean energy initiatives not only facilitate Amazon’s operational efficiency but also contribute to local grids, job creation, economic growth, and sustainability efforts worldwide. With over 500 solar and wind projects in 19 countries globally, Amazon continues to drive environmental sustainability and support local economies.
Amazon’s Climate Pledge, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, has garnered over 375 signatories worldwide, including prominent Spanish companies like Telefónica and Glovo. The company has allocated $2 billion through the Climate Pledge Fund to accelerate decarbonization efforts and foster innovative sustainability solutions. Amazon’s unwavering commitment to carbon neutrality is evident in its sustainability report, showcasing a 3% reduction in carbon emissions in 2023.
Despite a 7% increase in Scope 1 emissions due to heightened transportation fuel use, Amazon successfully lowered its carbon footprint to 68.82 MMT CO2e from 70.74 MMT CO2e in 2022. The company also achieved a 13% reduction in carbon intensity from 2022 levels for the fifth consecutive year, highlighting its dedication to minimizing environmental impact. Amazon’s recent investments in solar and wind projects in Spain and Portugal further underscore its commitment to sustainability, promising substantial economic and environmental benefits upon full operationalization.
