LONDON: October 18, 2018. Amazon is to install solar panels on 10 fulfilment centres across the UK  in the next 18 months with a combined capacity of 20 megawatts.

The company expects the panels to generate enough electricity to power over 4,500 UK homes and reduce its carbon footprint by 6,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. The solar systems will be developed and funded by Macquarie Principal Finance.

Amazon has also signed a deal for 100 percent renewable electricity to power its UK buildings from renewable sources such as solar or wind as part of a commitment to deploy solar systems on 50 customer fulfilment centres globally by 2020.

“As our fulfilment network continues to expand, we want to help generate more renewable energy at both existing and new facilities around the world in partnership with community and business leaders,” said Stefano Perego, Operations Director for Amazon UK. “We are putting our scale and inventive culture to work on sustainability, which is good for the environment, our business, our customers, and the communities in which we operate."

Amazon will also install battery systems at a number of its fulfilment centres as part of a load management programme. Batteries will be charged at times of low demand for use to power buildings when commercial and consumer use is at its highest. 

“Ten years on from the Climate Change Act, the first ever Green GB week is a time to build on our successes and explain the huge opportunities for business and young people of a cleaner economy," commented UK minister for Energy and Clean Growth Claire Perry.