Amazon has taken a significant step towards sustainability by signing a corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) with Engie, consolidating its position as the largest corporate buyer of renewable energy in Europe and the UK. This agreement boosts Amazon's stake in Ocean Winds' Moray West offshore wind farm in Scotland to 473 MW, capable of powering more than 650,000 UK homes annually.

Located in the Moray Firth, the 882 MW wind farm, currently under construction, is expected to come online in 2024. Amazon's investment in solar and wind projects reinforces its commitment to operate on 100% renewable energy by 2025, five years ahead of its initial target.

The Moray West wind farm is a joint project of Ocean Winds, a 50/50 venture between EDP Renewables and Engie, and its capacity supports Amazon's ambitious decarbonization goal. The company announced 39 new renewable energy projects in Europe last year, adding more than 1 GW of clean capacity to the region's grids.

Lindsay McQuade, Director of Energy, EMEA, Amazon Web Services (AWS), highlighted the importance of transitioning to carbon-free energy sources in reducing emissions. McQuade. “We are on track to meet our ambitious goal of powering our global operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025, and in 2022, 90% of electricity consumed by Amazon was attributable to renewable energy sources. Projects like Moray West will play a critical role in decarbonising Amazon’s operations and the UK grid, with this agreement demonstrating Amazon’s commitment to this ambition.” McQuade said.

Engie, in turn, strengthens its position in Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (CPPAs) with this agreement. Paulo Almirante, Engie senior executive vice-president renewables & energy management, highlighted the innovation of the CPPA and its contribution to the UK's targets for renewable energy and net zero economy.

“I am proud that the collective efforts of the Moray West and Ocean Winds teams, working closely with colleagues in Engie, helped secure this important deal with Amazon, prior to the Financial Close of the project and as part of an innovative and unprecedented route to market for an offshore wind farm. The programme for delivery of the power for Amazon is ambitious but the project and sponsor boards have supported us to keep the project firmly on track,” said Bautista Rodriguez, CEO at Ocean Winds.

Moray West, part of Ocean Winds' 6 GW portfolio of offshore wind farms in the UK, is expected to inject up to £500 million into the local Scottish economy and create more than 1,000 jobs during the construction phases. It will also support local education and training objectives, contributing to the transition of skilled workforces from the oil and gas sector to renewable energy. With commissioning in 2024 and 2025, the project is expected to leave a lasting impact on the region and support long-term environmental and economic goals.