EMEA operations of Amazon to be fully powered by renewables
I know that many blame Amazon for the emissions that they emit during transportation and the way these packages are packed, full of plastic.
However I have to say that since we have been part of the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator in 2023, we saw a lot of effort of them doing huge internal changes.
From packaging materials to products that are sold and going to be sold in the future on their platform. Everything is changing and regulation of submission to sell on Amazon is not so easy anymore. If you are selling Electronic Devices like we are, there is a certain procedure and waste management fee that everyone has to register for ( WEEE ) which takes months to get and costs quite a bit.
From myself I can say that they are changing ways of operation into a direction of total consciousness. Not everything can be changed in one day as you can imagine but they are really moving into the right direction.
Latest news on Amazon is that they are aiming to have its EMEA operations powered fully with renewables by 2025 and have announced 39 new renewable energy projects across the continent as reported by @Sarah George on @edie. The company’s official announcement states that, as a part of its push to have its EMEA operations powered 100% by renewable electricity by 2025, it is developing 39 new projects , including 15 rooftop solar installations at the firm’s facilities in Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK.?
Having one of the world’s largest companies on board is very important, because, as shared by @Attracta Mooney on the @Financial Times, a landmark report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change revealed that, given the ongoing increase in greenhouse gas emissions, our chances of reducing the effects of global warming are diminishing .?
This has heightened the worries of people around the globe, as an article published on @RFI disclosed that in France, eight out of 10 people are visibly preoccupied with how climate change will disrupt their lives . However, there are still many things we can do. For example, as @PV Magazine revealed, renewable energy production is diversifying, with wind energy generation attaining record levels in countries like Portugal and Spain, largely driven by temperature changes across the continent.
To change the mood, in some promising news, the European Union keeps taking the lead in helping developing countries to adopt renewable energy sources, as evidenced by a new 400 million EUR agreement with Bangladesh , which will be destined to power the nation’s green energy sector.?
Innovation:
The world keeps being a witness to remarkable innovations in solar energy, and this week, a major breakthrough took place in the United States, as the Biden-Harris Administration announced a $500,000 investment in a solar energy project at the Pine Ridge Reservation , in order to make the benefits of solar energy accessible to previously disadvantaged communities, mentioned @Richard Mylott from the @Environmental Protection Agency.?
Across the Atlantic, inclusion and accessibility are also at the forefront of the agenda for many multinational corporations, with @Balkan Green Energy News reporting that @Fronius, an Austria-based solar energy company, is now launching online webinars in Croatia to help residents in that country install and utilize its innovative products , including inverters and digital tools.?
And, in developments that impact us all, regardless of where we are in the world, @Open Access Government has shared a compelling article about the potential applications of AI in the fight against climate change . These include automating the recycling of many materials, decarbonizing real estate, and actively predicting weather to take preventive measures in case a natural disaster looms on the horizon. Because of its enormous capacity, a large part of which remains untapped, AI is one of the technologies that I am most optimistic about.
Just imagine...
1. Resource Optimization: AI can optimize the use of renewable resources such as wind and solar energy. AI algorithms can predict weather patterns and energy demand, helping grid operators efficiently distribute and store energy, reducing waste and improving grid reliability.
2. Energy Forecasting: providing accurate energy production forecasts for renewable sources. This enables better planning and integration into the grid, reducing the need for backup fossil fuel power plants.
3. Grid Management: optimize the operation of the electrical grid, balancing supply and demand in real-time. It can manage fluctuations in energy production from renewables and improve grid stability.
4. Energy Storage: enhance energy storage systems by optimizing charging and discharging patterns in batteries. This helps to store excess energy during periods of high production and release it when demand is high.
5. Smart Grids: enable the development of smart grids, which can automatically reroute power, detect and respond to faults, and improve overall grid efficiency.
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6. Renewable Energy Site Selection: analyze geographic and environmental data to identify optimal locations for renewable energy installations, maximizing energy production while minimizing environmental impact.
7. Material Discovery: AI-driven simulations and machine learning can accelerate the discovery of new materials for renewable energy technologies like advanced solar panels, batteries, and fuel cells.
8. Energy Efficiency: can be used in buildings and industrial processes to optimize energy consumption. Machine learning can identify areas where energy efficiency improvements can be made and recommend changes.
9. Predictive Maintenance: can predict when renewable energy infrastructure like wind turbines or solar panels might require maintenance, reducing downtime and increasing overall efficiency.
10. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): AI can assist in monitoring and controlling CCS systems, helping to capture and store CO2 emissions from power plants and industrial processes.
11. Climate Modeling: can improve climate modeling by processing vast amounts of data and running simulations more efficiently. This can help researchers better understand climate patterns and make more accurate predictions.
12. Supply Chain Optimization: can optimize supply chains for renewable technologies, reducing waste and emissions associated with the production and distribution of renewable energy equipment.
13. Electric Vehicles (EVs): can enhance the development of EVs by improving battery technology, range prediction, and charging infrastructure.
14. Policy and Decision Support: can analyze policy options and provide decision-makers with insights on the most effective strategies to combat climate change through renewable energy adoption.
15. Carbon Footprint Reduction: can help individuals and businesses reduce their carbon footprint by suggesting energy-saving measures and sustainable practices.
In conclusion, AI has the potential to revolutionize the renewables sector by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and accelerating the development and adoption of clean energy technologies and we will see many new startups arising in this sector.
International News:
It is time to, like every week, take some time to acknowledge some of the critical events happening worldwide:
While the UN’s most recent report could make for a grim week, I would like to stay optimistic, and see the positive developments that also took place. Especially important is how leading organizations both in the private and public sectors are taking bold steps, and I would like to, again, highlight Amazon’s amazing job in pushing the renewable sector forward. As one of the leading corporations in the globe, this is the type of leadership and commitment that we need to inspire further action.