E-commerce and cloud giant Amazon announced a significant milestone on Tuesday, as it revealed that it has exceeded 1.1 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity in India. This achievement was marked by the inauguration of a new 198 MW wind farm project in Osmanabad, Maharashtra. With this development, Amazon now boasts an impressive portfolio of 50 wind and solar projects across the country.
Amazon’s commitment to sustainability and renewable energy is not just making headlines in India but has also solidified its global position as the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy, a title it has held since 2020. In addition to this global recognition, Amazon has now earned the distinction of being the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy in India, underscoring its dedication to environmentally responsible operations.
Amazon’s renewable energy projects in India are not just about reducing carbon footprints but also about contributing to the local economy and creating job opportunities. The company’s ambitious goal is to power all of its operations in India with 100% renewable energy by 2025. This effort simultaneously serves to bolster India’s economic and environmental objectives.
Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations at Amazon India, stated, “Amazon’s wind and solar projects will help power all our operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025, while also bringing jobs and economic benefits to India’s communities. We’re eager to continue contributing to India’s economic and environmental goals as part of Amazon’s commitment to becoming a more sustainable business.”
The positive impact of Amazon’s renewable energy initiatives in India is not limited to clean energy generation alone. Between 2014 and 2022, the company’s wind and solar farms have played a pivotal role in generating an estimated $349 million (approximately ₹2,885 crore) of direct and indirect investment for local communities in India. These initiatives have also contributed approximately $87 million (about ₹719 crore) to the country’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Moreover, in 2022 alone, Amazon’s renewable energy projects have supported more than 20,600 local full-time equivalent jobs, as revealed by an economic model developed by the company.
These numbers highlight the far-reaching impact of Amazon’s efforts in India, demonstrating the potential for corporate giants to drive sustainable development and create a greener future.
