Amazon Meets 100% Renewable Energy Goal Seven Years Early

New Delhi, Jul 11 (KNN) In a major milestone for corporate sustainability efforts, e-commerce giant Amazon has announced that it has met its goal of powering all of its global operations with 100 per cent renewable energy - a full seven years ahead of its original 2030 target.

The achievement solidifies Amazon's position as the world's largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy, a title it has held since 2020, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

The company has invested billions in over 500 solar and wind projects worldwide, spanning 27 countries.

Kara Hurst, Amazon's Chief Sustainability Officer, celebrated the accomplishment but emphasised that it's just one step in the company's broader environmental strategy.

"We'll continue to make progress, while also constantly evolving on our path to 2040," Hurst stated, referencing Amazon's commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by that year.

Amazon's renewable energy portfolio is projected to offset approximately 27.8 million tons of carbon annually once all projects are operational.

The company has been particularly active in the Asia Pacific region, with significant investments in countries like India, where it has become the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy.

Kyle Harrison, Head of Sustainability Research at BloombergNEF, praised Amazon's efforts, noting that the company's commitment 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."

However, the path forward may present new challenges. The rising demand for generative AI is expected to significantly increase energy requirements, potentially altering Amazon's original projections.

In response, the company plans to explore additional carbon-free energy sources to complement its renewable investments.

Despite these potential hurdles, Amazon remains committed to its Climate Pledge of net-zero carbon by 2040. The company acknowledges that this goal may require adaptability and continued evolution of its approach, but maintains its optimism and focus on achieving this ambitious target.

As corporations increasingly face pressure to address their environmental impact, Amazon's early success in transitioning to renewable energy sets a notable benchmark for the industry.

(KNN Bureau)