Amazon has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of its 50th wind and solar project in India.
This latest addition, a 198MW wind farm in Osmanabad, Maharashtra, brings its total renewable energy capacity in the country to 1.1GW.
Not only does this make Amazon the largest global corporate buyer of renewable energy since 2020, it also positions the company as the leading corporate buyer of renewable energy in India, according to publicly available data and Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
Driving economic growth and job creation
The economic impact of Amazon's wind and solar projects has been substantial, injecting an estimated $349m into India's communities between 2014 and 2022.
In 2022 alone, these projects contributed $87m to the country's GDP and supported more than 20,600 local full-time equivalent jobs, showcasing the tangible benefits for the Indian economy.
Empowering India's transition away from fossil fuels
“Rapidly scaling renewable energy is one of the most effective strategies to address climate change, and these efforts can be especially impactful in India, where the country’s leaders are focused on transitioning the country away from fossil fuels,” said Abhinav Singh, vice-president of operations at Amazon India, in a company statement.
Amazon stated that its commitment extends beyond powering its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025; it aims to contribute significantly to India's economic and environmental goals, aligning with the nation's focus on transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Amazon's clean energy commitment to India
The wind farm in Osmanabad marks Amazon's seventh utility-scale renewable energy project announced in India within the twelve months up to November 2023.
Upon completion of all 50 projects, the energy generated is expected to power more than 1.1m homes in New Delhi annually.
These projects will play a pivotal role in providing clean power for Amazon's facilities, including data centres, logistics facilities, physical stores and corporate offices.
Contributing to community growth in Rajasthan
Highlighted by the success of the Amazon Solar Farm India–Rajasthan Jaisalmer, developed in partnership with ReNew, the impact on local communities is evident.
Residents report that they experience a continuous source of income, improved educational opportunities for children and a boost to local businesses.
Amazon's holistic sustainability approach
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy's commitment to invest $26bn in India by 2030 underscores Amazon's dedication to the country's growth.
This includes a significant investment by AWS in cloud infrastructure, aligning with Amazon's broader goal of achieving net zero carbon by 2040 through the Climate Pledge.
Amazon's investment in nature-based projects in the Asia-Pacific region, including a $15m fund for India, demonstrates its commitment to community support, climate resilience and biodiversity.
The company's multifaceted approach includes transforming its transportation network in India with more than 6,000 electric vehicles, contributing to a sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
