Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced it’s working with global investment firm Brookfield Asset Management to provide cloud infrastructure services and automate the firm’s renewable energy generation operations. The cloud provider is also receiving 601.6 megawatts (MW) of wind and solar energy from its investment partner to power AWS operations in Europe, North America, and India in a move to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with cloud computing.
Brookfield transitioned its legacy systems to AWS cloud infrastructure and uses analytics tools, containers, IoT, machine learning (ML), storage capabilities, and the hyperscaler’s partner network to modernize its IT infrastructure and optimize operations.
“AWS is helping us modernize our operational systems, giving us the scalability, reliability, and innovation we need to deliver clean energy around the world,” Brookfield Renewable COO Ruth Kent said.
Howard Gefen, GM of energy and utilities at AWS, said Brookfield will benefit from “the breadth and depth” of the provider’s infrastructure, services, and community of partners to improve data utilization, flexibility, and scalability.
In return for the miracle of the cloud, Brookfield is providing AWS with renewable solar and wind power on three continents to aid the hyperscaler in achieving its sustainability commitments. The seven projects dedicated to powering the provider’s operations with 100% renewable energy should generate 1,370 gigawatts per hour (GWh), according to AWS.
“Our partnership with Amazon is a tremendously exciting example of companies working together to reach net zero,” Kent added. “We look forward to seeing what more this partnership can bring in the future.”
To that point, Gefen touted this partnership as “advancing the use of renewable energy around the globe.” This collaboration is crucial to keeping AWS “on the path” to achieving its sustainability targets, primarily its goal to power its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025. The hyperscaler is also committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Also during re:Invent 2022, AWS strengthened its sustainability standing by committing to be a water-positive company by 2030, which means the company will return more clean water to nearby communities than its cloud infrastructure and operations consume.
AWS plans to achieve its water positive commitment via four main strategies – increasing water efficiency and water usage effectiveness (WUE) in data centers, utilizing sustainable water sources, returning water for community reuse, and investing in water replenishment and restoration projects.
Source: PTI
