VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI -- Amazon, the world-renowned online retailer, has unveiled its latest renewable energy endeavor in Michigan. The company revealed its intention to build an 85-megawatt solar farm in Lawrence Township, Van Buren County, according to a news release issued on Monday, Nov. 13.

The forthcoming solar project in Southwest Michigan will primarily cater to Amazon's local operations, including its fulfilment centers, sorting centers, and delivery stations. Additionally, it will provide clean energy to the surrounding communities, contributing to Amazon's commitment to increasing sustainability, as stated by Nat Sahlstrom, Head of Energy, Water, and Sustainability for Amazon Web Services.

While specifics regarding the cost of the solar farm and the expected job count were not disclosed at the time of the announcement, Amazon did share a photograph of a similar 100-megawatt solar farm in Pennsylvania, signifying that the size and scope of the Michigan project will be comparable.

With 479 wind and solar projects globally, Amazon's renewable energy initiatives are estimated to generate over 71,900 gigawatt-hours of clean energy per year, enough to power approximately 6.7 million American households. The company has consistently remained the world's largest corporate buyer of renewable energy since 2020, setting a new record for the most renewable energy purchased in a single year, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

As of the end of 2022, Amazon has achieved a noteworthy milestone, with 90% of its electricity consumption for operational purposes coming from renewable energy sources. This commitment to sustainable practices aligns with the company's broader goals of fostering job creation, supporting local businesses, and boosting the tax base in the areas where it operates.

A specific timeline for the Van Buren County project was not disclosed. However, Amazon's operations in Michigan already encompass 11 fulfilment and sortation centers, 14 delivery stations, and eight Whole Foods Market locations.

As Amazon continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio, the addition of the 85-megawatt solar farm in Michigan signifies another step toward a greener future for the online retail giant.