Amazon to build massive wind farm in Alberta

Amazon Embarks on First Canadian Wind Farm Project in Alberta

Amazon, the global tech giant, has announced a significant investment in renewable energy by launching its first Canadian wind farm project.

The wind farm, boasting a capacity of 495 megawatts, will be developed in partnership with Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners. Located in Vulcan County, southern Alberta, this project marks a major step for Amazon in its foray into Canadian renewable energy​​​​​​.

The choice of Alberta for this wind farm project is strategic, given the province’s potential for wind energy generation. This investment aligns with Amazon’s broader commitment to powering its operations with renewable energy. The wind farm in Alberta is set to play a crucial role in this initiative, as it will help power Amazon’s local operations in the province, including fulfillment centers, sortation centers, delivery stations, and Amazon Web Services data centers​​.

Alberta is known for its windy conditions, influenced largely by its varied geography which includes plains, mountains, and foothills. Southern Alberta, particularly around areas like Lethbridge and Pincher Creek, experiences some of the strongest winds in the province. This is due to the topographical funneling effect created by the juxtaposition of the Rocky Mountains to the west and the prairies to the east. Calgary, often referred to as the “Windy City of the West,” also experiences significant wind because of its proximity to the foothills of the Rockies. The eastern slopes of the Rockies, in general, are subject to considerable wind as well. This natural wind resource has made Alberta a suitable location for wind energy projects, including wind farms.

This move is part of Amazon’s global pledge to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 and to power its operations with 100% renewable energy. The Alberta wind farm project is a significant milestone in this journey, demonstrating Amazon’s dedication to sustainable business practices and its role in driving renewable energy development in Canada.

Amazon’s forays into wind farm development began by integrating renewable energy sources into its data centers and operational facilities, a move aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its expansive global operations.

A notable milestone for Amazon was its investment in a wind farm in Indiana, USA, announced in January 2015. This project, Amazon’s first significant dive into wind energy, was designed to generate 500,000 megawatt hours of wind power annually.

Following the success of the Indiana wind farm, Amazon expanded its investment in wind energy, developing several projects across the United States and later in other countries. Each project contributed to Amazon’s goal of powering its operations with 100% renewable energy.