Amazon Invests in Sustainable Data Centers & Grid Stability

Brandon Oyer, director of energy and water for Amazon Web Services, detailed Amazon’s approach to powering its data centers responsibly, focusing on carbon-free energy and community benefit. Oyer, a former U.S.

Navy nuclear engineer, emphasized a strategy of not only procuring renewable energy but also strengthening the electric grids that deliver it. Amazon is investing in projects like small modular nuclear reactors and grid improvements in states like Indiana and Mississippi, aiming to avoid passing costs onto local ratepayers.

The company is also prioritizing water efficiency, using reclaimed water and outside air for cooling whenever possible. In Northern Indiana, a new data center campus will rely on outside air for cooling 97 to 98% of the time. Amazon’s efforts extend to water replenishment projects, supporting farmers with precision irrigation in Mississippi and investing in infrastructure upgrades in Oregon and Mexico.

These investments reflect Amazon’s commitment to both economic viability and environmental stewardship, with a goal of being water positive by 2030.