Amazon invests in solar tech at its Fife base

Amazon’s largest depot in the UK has been fitted with nearly 6,000 solar panels to provide enough energy for more than 300 homes.

The site in Dunfermline is equivalent to 17 football pitches and has an operating space of more than 1.5 million sq ft.

It has been fitted with 5,900 modular solar panels which generate the equivalent amount of electricity required to power more than 320 homes for one year.

Site leader Jamie Strain said: “We are investing in on-site solar installations to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2025 and I am proud that Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline is able to play its part in this.

“We’re investing in sustainability and renewable energy projects of this kind because it’s good for the environment, good for our communities, and good for business.”

Amazon aims to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2025 as part of the Climate Pledge – a commitment by the company to be net-zero carbon by 2040.

It also expanded its fleet of electric vehicles and is the world’s largest corporate buyer of renewable energy.

Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman said: “I’m delighted to hear that Amazon has taken this step towards becoming a net-zero business by installing thousands of solar panels at its Dunfermline fulfilment centre.

“In the year that we host the most important climate summit of the century, COP26 in Glasgow, it’s vital that the business sector not only plays a positive role but leads in reducing carbon emissions and supporting renewable energy alternatives.”