Amazon Signs Major Renewable Energy Agreements
Amazon Expands Renewable Energy by securing power purchase agreements for 476 megawatts (MW) of wind and solar energy on the Iberian Peninsula. The agreements were signed with multinational utility company Iberdrola and are expected to support Amazon’s planned data centers in the region. The move aligns with Amazon’s broader infrastructure expansion plans, which include a $17 billion investment in Spain, announced last May.
With the surge in demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing services, Amazon has been rapidly increasing its data center footprint. However, this expansion has also resulted in higher energy consumption. To mitigate its environmental impact and ensure a steady supply of clean power, the company continues to secure renewable energy sources worldwide.
Hybrid Renewable Energy Project at Tâmega Wind Farm
A significant portion of Amazon Expands Renewable Energy purchase comes from the Tâmega wind farm, currently under construction alongside an extensive hydroelectric dam system in Portugal. The Tâmega complex comprises three dams, including an 880 MW pumped-storage facility. This setup enhances the reliability of renewable energy production by acting as a large-scale battery.
The pumped-storage system operates using two reservoirs positioned at different elevations. When electricity demand is high, water is released from the upper reservoir to generate power. During periods of excess electricity generation, water is pumped back up, effectively storing energy for future use. The 274 MW of wind turbines being installed at Tâmega will integrate with the hydro complex’s grid connection, allowing surplus energy to be stored and later utilized to maintain a stable power supply.
Such hybrid projects play a crucial role in addressing the intermittency of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, ensuring a continuous flow of electricity to the grid. Amazon’s investment in Tâmega underscores its commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to optimize clean energy usage.
Tech Giants Drive Renewable Energy Adoption
In addition to the Tâmega wind farm, Amazon has also secured power from conventional wind and solar plants located in northwestern Spain. This development further cements Amazon’s position as the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy in 2023.
The technology sector has been a driving force behind the growing adoption of renewable energy. Leading companies such as Meta, Microsoft, and Google have all ramped up their investments in clean energy solutions. Just last month, Meta signed two major solar energy agreements, while Microsoft and Google committed to multibillion-dollar renewable energy initiatives.
The increasing reliance on wind, solar, and battery storage reflects the broader industry trend of prioritizing sustainable energy sources. With the rapid deployment and decreasing costs of renewable technologies, tech companies continue to lead the way in transitioning toward a greener energy future. Amazon Expands Renewable Energy with its latest agreements, signaling ongoing efforts to align business expansion with sustainability goals and reinforcing its role as a major player in the clean energy sector.
