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Amazon, the global e-commerce powerhouse, has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to sustainability with the announcement of a new 198-megawatt (MW) wind farm project in Osmanabad, Maharashtra, India. This achievement catapults Amazon’s renewable energy projects in India to a grand total of 50 wind and solar installations, aggregating an impressive 1.1 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy capacity. Notably, this milestone reinforces Amazon’s position not only as the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy on a global scale, a title it has held since 2020, but also as the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy in India, according to publicly available data and Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
The expansion of Amazon’s wind and solar farms in India is not only a testament to the company’s green energy commitment but also a source of significant economic and environmental benefits for the nation. These projects have injected an estimated $349 million (INR 2,885 crore) into Indian communities between 2014 and 2022. Moreover, they have contributed approximately $87 million (INR 719 crore) to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supported over 20,600 local full-time equivalent jobs in 2022 alone, according to an economic model developed by Amazon.
Amazon’s dedication to renewable energy is in harmony with its broader strategy to combat climate change. The rapid expansion of renewable energy is considered a highly effective approach, particularly in a country like India where leaders are committed to transitioning away from fossil fuels. As highlighted by Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations at Amazon India, these efforts extend beyond merely powering Amazon’s operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025. They also encompass creating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth within local communities. Amazon is enthusiastic about continuing to contribute to India’s economic and environmental goals as part of its ongoing commitment to becoming a more sustainable business.
Shri Dinesh Dayanand Jagdale, Joint Secretary of The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, has warmly welcomed Amazon’s investments in renewable energy. He emphasized that such investments not only further Amazon’s sustainability goals but also encourage other corporations to invest in renewable energy in India. This, in turn, accelerates the nation’s progress towards achieving its 2030 renewable energy goals. India has already surpassed its Nationally Determined Contributions target by sourcing 40% of its capacity from renewable sources ahead of schedule. The country is also on a trajectory to become one of the world’s largest solar module manufacturers, accompanied by a thriving wind energy manufacturing ecosystem. India remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving the NDC goal of 50% capacity from renewable energy, and the positive role played by the renewable energy sector in enabling corporations like Amazon to achieve their 100% renewable energy goals is heartening.
The newly announced Osmanabad wind farm marks Amazon’s seventh utility-scale renewable energy project in India within the past year. Alongside these projects, Amazon has unveiled a total of 43 rooftop solar installations, which are integral to powering local Amazon facilities. When all 50 projects are fully operational, they are anticipated to generate enough energy to power over 1.1 million homes in New Delhi each year, all while providing clean energy to fuel Amazon’s data centers, logistics facilities, physical stores, and corporate offices.
Over the past several years, Amazon has closely collaborated with policymakers, regulators, and various industry stakeholders to expand corporate renewable energy procurement options in India. This collaborative effort has not only paved the way for the implementation of new renewable energy projects but has also facilitated the scaling of clean energy in the country.
Amazon’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond renewable energy. The company is actively striving to achieve net-zero carbon by 2040 through its initiative, The Climate Pledge, which boasts over 400 global signatories, including nine Indian companies. Amazon is also leading the charge in transforming its transportation network by electrifying its delivery fleet. Currently, Amazon boasts over 6,000 electric vehicles in its India delivery fleet, serving more than 400 local cities and contributing to reduced carbon emissions. In addition to its renewable energy initiatives, Amazon is investing $15 million in nature-based projects designed to support communities, enhance climate resilience, and preserve biodiversity in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The first $3 million from this fund’s APAC allocation will be directed towards projects in India. The inaugural project in the Western Ghats involves the planting of 300,000 trees. This endeavor not only creates carbon sinks but also enhances wildlife conservation and livelihoods, adding to its environmental benefits.
