Amazon, Plan South starts: invests in renewable energy, training and SMEs
Seven solar parks planned in Sicily, 500 euro bonus for new SMEs, training on digitisation and artificial intelligence
by Vera Viola
Amazon launches a Plan for the South: 'Amazon Destination South'. A programme based on three interventions: the creation of five solar parks in Sicily, incentives for small and medium-sized advertisers, and an intensive training project on digitalisation and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, to celebrate customers in the South, this year Amazon is organising the Prime Day Festival event in the evocative setting of the Foro Italico in Palermo, at Nauto. The Prime Day Festival is an event open to the public, with free access, and will be held from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 June: visitors will be able to explore a space dedicated to Prime Day offers and Prime benefits, and discover the excellence of the territory created by small and medium-sized Sicilian companies that bring their products to Amazon.it.
Since its arrival in Italia, Amazon has invested a total of more than 2 billion in the southern regions, generating more than 3,000 direct permanent jobs and more than 1.5 billion in additional economic impact.
Seven solar parks in Sicily
Amazon relies on carbon-free energy sources for its energy supply, with the goal of achieving zero net CO2 emissions by 2040. In line with this commitment, Amazon has contributed to the development of seven solar projects in Sicily, which help to supply the company's operations in Italia with renewable energy. The development of four of these plants started in 2025. They join three projects already active in the region, including two agri-voltaic parks, which combine renewable energy production and agricultural crops on the same land, in Mazara del Vallo, in the province of Trapani, and in Paternò, in the province of Catania. In total, Amazon has contributed to the development of eight industrial-scale projects in Italia. These are complemented by photovoltaic systems installed on the roofs of 32 logistics sites in Italia, for a total of 40 projects.
Meanwhile, Amazon is committed to supporting the growth of southern SMEs through e-commerce. For this reason, it is making available to SMEs in the South: a credit on referral fees of up to €500 for eligible sales partners who offer their products in the Made in Italy showcase. New Amazon sales partners based in one of the eight regions of the South - Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia - with a registered trademark and with products available in the Made in Italy selection are eligible.
