AWS: New Zealand Data Centre Will Run on Renewable Energy
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched its AWS Asia Pacific (New Zealand) Region.
The company has invested more than NZ$7.5bn (US$4.4bn) to build and operate state-of-the-art data centers across New Zealand.
This project enhances cloud service accessibility and propels a shift towards renewable energy-powered digital solutions.
The local deployment of cloud infrastructure by AWS is designed to meet low latency and data residency needs while encouraging sustainable practices.
“The new AWS Region in New Zealand will help serve the growing demand for cloud services across the country and empower organisations of all sizes to accelerate their digital transformation,” says Prasad Kalyanaraman, Vice President of Infrastructure Services at AWS.
“With this launch, businesses can now leverage advanced AWS technologies, from core cloud capabilities to artificial intelligence and machine learning, all while meeting local data residency requirements.
“By investing in New Zealand's digital infrastructure, we're proud to support the country's economic growth, foster innovation and help position it as a technology hub in the Asia Pacific region.”
More about the investment
With a significant economic impact projected, the AWS Region is estimated to contribute NZ$10.8bn (US$6.3bn) to New Zealand’s GDP while supporting more than 1,000 full-time jobs annually.
The infrastructure underscores New Zealand's emergence as a key player in the digital sector within the Asia Pacific region.
The AWS Asia Pacific (New Zealand) Region comprises three Availability Zones, each featuring independent power and cooling systems, along with robust security protocols.
These features support high-availability workloads and are interconnected by low-latency networks.
“This is a major milestone, not just in terms of size, but I think in what it represents,” says Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand.
“It's a vote of confidence in New Zealand as a place to do business, to innovate and to build for the long term. And this investment will supercharge growth and it is key to creating more jobs, lifting incomes and putting more money into the pockets of Kiwis.”
“The launch of the AWS Region in New Zealand is an exciting moment,” adds Graeme Muller, CEO of NZTech.
“This investment in digital infrastructure and Amazon’s commitment to digital skills can accelerate New Zealand technology businesses and help New Zealanders to move into highly skilled, secure and well-paid technology jobs – which exist right across the economy, from tech companies to various sectors including agriculture, finance, retail, professional services, government and many more.”
Sustainability and energy efficiency
AWS's move aligns with its broader mission under The Climate Pledge to attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, running the centre on renewable energy from day one using Amazon's long term agreement with Mercury NZ's wind farms.
By leveraging renewable energy sources, AWS exemplifies operational sustainability and positions itself as a catalyst for eco-friendly innovation.
The infrastructure demonstrates a remarkable efficiency advantage, with an Accenture report noting AWS's data centres being up to 4.1 times more energy-efficient than traditional on-premises facilities, using optimised work loads that reduce carbon emissions by up to 99%.
Additionally, AWS is continues to enhance its technology to promote greater energy efficiency, from advanced cooling systems to custom-designed chips, these innovations aim to reduce environmental impact.
The company hopes the innovations will support in lowering operational costs for customers and scale AI-intensive workloads, making this shift to renewable-powered infrastructure both economically and environmentally beneficial.
Enhancing skills for a sustainable future
The infrastructural developments go hand in hand with AWS's commitment to skill development in New Zealand.
Initiatives like AWS Academy, AWS Educate, and AWS Skill Builder have already benefited over 50,000 people with cloud skills training.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding with the New Zealand government, AWS plans to train a total of 100,000 individuals, fostering a skilled workforce ready for the sustainable tech sector.
The company aims to recruit local expertise to maintain and support data centre operations, strengthening New Zealand's digital economy.
A growing sustainable ecosystem
Numerous New Zealand companies, including AMP New Zealand, Kiwibank, and New Zealand Post, already leverage AWS for various workloads.
Startups like Sharesies and major firms like TradeMe and Xero also rely on AWS infrastructure.
With partners like Accenture, Datacom, and Deloitte, The Instillery and CyberCX, supports enterprise and government customers with migration, integration and digital transformation projects.
By combining expansive infrastructure development with renewable energy commitments, AWS sets a high benchmark for sustainable growth.
The launch positions New Zealand as a strategic digital hub within the Asia Pacific, championing an era of eco-friendly technological advancement.
