Sweden’s AWS data center reduces carbon dioxide emissions with the power of the plant kingdom

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 percent over the fuel lifecycle compared to diesel—and now AWS is turning to the alternative in its data centers across Europe. Sweden is one of the first countries where the transition is now taking place.

In January 2023, AWS began the transition to using HVO — a renewable, biodegradable, and completely non-toxic fuel made from residual or vegetable oils — to power backup generators in its data centers across Europe. Backup generators are used in data centers in the very rare event that the main power supply fails. Sweden is one of the first countries in the region where the transition is now taking place.

Reports indicate that HVO has the opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90 percentR through the fuel life cycle compared to fossil diesel. HVO and other renewable alternatives have proven to be more compatible with industrial machinery than biodiesel because they require no modification of fuel systems and are stable even at low temperatures. This versatility allows AWS to fill its backup generator tanks with HVO without risking operational changes. In addition, the fuel can be used in cold climates, such as Swedish winter conditions.

He wants to pave the way for other companies

Going forward, AWS aims to use HVO in all data centers across Europe. For this to happen, there needs to be an available, steady and sustainable supply of HVO. So AWS helps develop the global supply chain and works with local suppliers. In addition, AWS invests in purchasing HVO that only comes from renewable sources, with traceable raw materials that do not come from sources where biodiversity is at risk of being affected.

“At AWS, we’re committed to running our business sustainably. It’s good for the planet, our customers, and society. Moving to HVO is just one of the many ways we’re working to improve the sustainability of our data centers. We’re reducing the carbon footprint of our operations and working towards Amazon’s corporate-wide goal. The goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040. By making this commitment to using sustainably sourced HVO in powering our data centers, we and our partners hope to lead the way for other companies and help create a global supply chain that will accelerate change across Europe.” says Marielle Lindgren, President of AWS Nordic Countries.