Amazon invests in Greece’s largest wind energy project with three wind farms
Amazon has announced its entry into utility-scale wind energy in Greece with a €496 million investment in three wind farms, marking its largest renewable energy initiative.
The investment involves four power purchase agreements (PPAs) covering the Vermio North and Vermio South wind farms in Macedonia and the Mesokorfi and Koukouras wind farms in the Peloponnese region.
Construction is underway, with power generation expected to begin by 2026. Together, the wind farms will produce enough carbon-free energy to power 200,000 Greek homes annually, benefiting Amazon’s operations, local businesses, and households while creating economic opportunities and jobs in the region.
Aer Soléir, the Dublin-based developer of the projects, reports that the Vermio wind farm alone has created 100 construction jobs, with up to 300 roles anticipated at peak activity.
The initiative also includes €1 million allocated for community investments and €1.8 million for reforestation and biodiversity programs, enhancing local infrastructure, schools, and agriculture.
The wind farms will contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions in Greece, where 48% of electricity is still derived from fossil fuels. They align with Amazon’s Climate Pledge to achieve net-zero carbon by 2040 and Greece’s National Energy and Climate Plan to generate 80% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
The €496 million project financing combines €249 million in commercial debt from the National Bank of Greece and funds from the European Recovery and Resilience Fund. Greek Minister of Energy and Environment Theodoros Skylakakis praised the collaboration between Aer Soléir, the National Bank of Greece, and Amazon as a transformative investment exceeding $1 billion, emphasizing its role in sustainable development and innovation.
AWS director of energy for EMEA, Lindsay McQuade, highlighted that these wind farms represent a milestone in Amazon’s renewable energy journey in Europe. Globally, Amazon has supported over 500 renewable energy projects, achieving its goal of 100% renewable energy in 2023—seven years ahead of schedule.
AWS is also working with the Greek government on various innovation projects, including a smart island pilot on Naxos and a European outpost testing lab in Athens, further solidifying its presence in the region.