Amazon has unveiled its latest fulfillment center in western Japan, a landmark facility integrating advanced geothermal heating and cooling systems with a substantial 5.5 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) array, marking a significant stride in the company's global decarbonization efforts. The 125,200 square foot building, developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Estate, is poised to become one of Amazon's largest dedicated fulfillment centers in the region, setting a new benchmark for sustainable logistics infrastructure. This strategic investment underscores a growing trend among major corporations to embed renewable energy solutions directly into their operational footprints, driving market innovation and supporting national energy transition goals.

The facility has already achieved a BELS 6 Star certification, signifying the highest level of energy efficiency within Japan's Building-Housing Energy-efficiency Labeling System. Kara Hurst, Chief Sustainability Officer at Amazon, highlighted the project's importance, stating, "It also showcases ways we can power the future using carbon-free energy." The geothermal heat pump system, utilizing 200 underground heat exchangers reaching 100 meters deep, will regulate the temperature of the first floor, where the majority of Amazon's team operates. This system leverages the earth's stable subsurface temperature, consuming approximately 30% less energy than conventional HVAC systems.

Complementing the geothermal integration, the fulfillment center features an innovative solar PV installation. For the first time, Amazon has deployed solar panels vertically on south-facing walls, in addition to traditional rooftop and parking area installations. This unique configuration is designed to maximize solar energy capture throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset. With a total capacity of 5.5 MW, this represents Amazon's largest onsite solar installation outside the United States, projected to generate sufficient energy to power over 1,300 American homes. An integrated battery storage system will ensure a consistent supply of carbon-free energy, mitigating intermittency challenges inherent to solar generation.

Japan, a nation with 70% mountainous terrain, faces unique challenges in expanding its renewable energy footprint. Despite these hurdles, renewable energy accounted for 25.7% of Japan's total electricity generation in 2023, predominantly from solar power, according to the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies. The Japanese government aims to increase this share to 36-38% by 2030, as part of its broader objective to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 with a renewable energy share of approximately 50%. Amazon's commitment aligns directly with these national targets.

Beyond this specific facility, Amazon has significantly expanded its renewable energy portfolio across Japan. The company has enabled 25 renewable energy projects, including nine offsite solar and wind farms and 16 onsite solar installations. In January 2025, Amazon announced investments in four new utility-scale solar projects, effectively more than doubling its renewable energy capacity in the country from 101 MW in 2023 to 211 MW in 2024. Jasper Cheung, Vice President and Country Manager for Amazon Japan, affirmed the company's dedication: "Amazon is committed to driving the carbon-free energy transition forward, both to advance our sustainability goals and support Japan’s carbon-free energy transition." This collaborative approach with the Japanese government, energy developers, and other corporations is crucial for accelerating the nation's decarbonization pathway and fostering broader renewable energy adoption.