Assuming regulatory and planning approval, AWS has been officially confirmed as the first company to join Bord na Móna's Eco Energy Park in the Midlands.

Large businesses using a variety of renewable energy technologies will be housed together in Eco Energy Park, assisting them in achieving low-carbon growth in their operations.

In addition to creating hundreds of employment during the construction phase, AWS and Bord na Móna stated that the development is in accordance with the Government's Principles for Sustainable Data Centre Development and will establish a community benefit fund to help regional initiatives and organisations.

This arrangement also includes AWS investing in up to 800MW of new renewable energy projects in Ireland; the news made today represents AWS's first 105MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Bord na Móna for the Co. Offaly-based Derrinlough Wind Farm.

"This is just the beginning, and we look forward to welcoming Amazon Web Services and other leading organisations from sectors like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and ICT among others to join the Bord na Móna Eco Energy Park in the coming years," said Tom Donnellan, the chief executive of Bord na M

According to Lindsay McQuade, Director of Energy, EMEA, Amazon Web Services, the business is eager to collaborate closely with Bord na Móna in order to identify prospects for growth in the Midlands.

"This collaboration with Bord na Móna will help us to continue to decarbonise our operations whilst creating economic opportunities and supporting Ireland's climate goals," said Ms McQuade.

IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan has praised the partnership.

"Today’s announcement underlines the importance of such partnerships to enable shared ambition of growth, decarbonisation and innovation," added Lohan.

Eamon Ryan, the Minister of the Environment, Climate, and Communications, was present at an event in Dublin this evening where the deal between Bord na Móna and AWS was announced.

"Sectors including manufacturing, pharmaceutical, agrifood and ICT all play an important role in Ireland’s economy and driving economic growth into the future," Mr. Ryan stated.

"Projects like Bord na Móna’s Eco Energy Park will be crucial in making these sectors of our economy sustainable in the long term, by co-locating renewable energy generation assets with large energy users," he stated.