Amazon is backing several initiatives to incorporate green energy and farming as part of its commitment to reach net-zero carbon by 2040 through its Climate Pledge.

The company announced their support of both agrivoltaics, the integration of solar energy and agriculture, as well as dual land-use projects that combine farming with wind energy.

In Garrard County, Kentucky, sheep rancher Daniel Bell has expanded his flock and transformed Hazelbrook Farm into a multi-generational operation by providing grazing services to a nearby solar farm. Additionally, researchers at The Ohio State University in Madison County are exploring how to scale farming alongside large solar energy projects.

These renewable energy initiatives offer a range of benefits for both farmers and renewable energy developers, providing additional revenue for local farmers and their small businesses, and increase available land area for new solar and wind projects. Local communities also gain from these projects, which can create jobs, generate tax revenue, and provide new energy sources.

The Amazon Air Hub is a $1.5 billion investment that opened in 2021, according to the NKY Business Journal. The Amazon Air Hub partnered with Duke Energy to enhance its sustainability efforts by installing Kentucky's largest utility-scale rooftop solar array. This project features over 5,600 photovoltaic panels on the Air Hub's 800,000-square-foot rooftop, generating up to 2 megawatts of solar power. This energy is fed directly into the electric distribution grid, providing clean electricity to approximately 400 homes and businesses in Northern Kentucky.

“In addition to generating carbon-free energy, these projects have the power to drive economic growth and create local jobs,” Amazon Air Director of Operations, Jess Stewart said. “As the largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy in Kentucky and worldwide, Amazon is leading the way for a more sustainable economy, powered by renewable energy.”