Amazon Admits 2040 Net-Zero Roadmap Gap as 7.65 GW Gas Plan Looms
Amazon admits it lacks a complete path to net-zero emissions by 2040, while AI growth drives a 7.65 GW gas plant that could emit 33 million tons yearly.
Summary
Amazon chief sustainability officer Kara Hurst said at a September 22, 2026, Axios event that the company still lacks a complete route to its Climate Pledge target of net-zero carbon by 2040, although the commitment is unchanged. She said climate action requires companies and governments working together, with Amazon leading where it can. Amazon’s 2025 revenue increased 12% to $717 billion, roughly Ireland’s economy, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres has said power is shifting from governments to a few corporations.
Amazon holds 42 gigawatts of clean energy and has ranked among the world’s largest clean-energy purchasers for several years. However, carbon intensity increased in 2025 from 2024, although it remained below 2022. Its emissions span aviation, AI, agriculture and construction, making progress dependent on suppliers. Plans disclosed earlier in 2026 call for a 7.65 gigawatt natural gas plant serving an AI data center campus. Its 35 turbines could emit up to 33 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, potentially making it the largest single U.S. source. The project pits AI growth at the world’s largest cloud service against Amazon’s 2040 pledge and exposes the limits of relying on cheaper clean power and markets alone.
Positives
- Amazon’s clean-energy portfolio totals 42 gigawatts, placing it among the world’s largest purchasers for several consecutive years.
- The Climate Pledge commitment to reach net-zero carbon by 2040 remains unchanged despite the incomplete roadmap.
- Amazon’s carbon intensity in 2025 remained below its 2022 level, despite increasing from 2024.
- Kara Hurst said companies and governments must work together, with Amazon leading where it can.
Risks & concerns
- Amazon still does not know every measure required to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
- Carbon intensity increased in 2025 compared with 2024, reversing recent progress.
- The planned 7.65 gigawatt gas plant’s 35 turbines could emit up to 33 million tons of carbon dioxide annually.
- Amazon’s emissions span aviation, AI, agriculture and construction, leaving its target dependent on suppliers across the economy.
- AI expansion at the world’s largest cloud service risks locking in natural gas use that conflicts with Amazon’s climate commitment.