Amazon launches its Southern Italy Plan: investing in renewable energy, training and SMEs
Seven solar parks are planned for Sicily, a €500 bonus for SMEs placing their first adverts, and training on digitalisation and artificial intelligence
by Vera Viola
Amazon launches a plan for the South: ‘Amazon Destinazione Sud’. The programme is based on three key initiatives: the construction of five solar parks in Sicily, incentives for small and medium-sized businesses that advertise on the platform, and an extensive training programme on digitalisation and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, to celebrate its customers in the South, this year Amazon is organising the Prime Day Festival in the picturesque setting of Palermo’s Foro Italico, at the Nauto. The Prime Day Festival is an event open to the public, with free admission, taking place from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 June: visitors will be able to explore an area dedicated to Prime Day offers and Prime benefits, and discover the region’s finest products from Sicilian small and medium-sized enterprises that sell their goods on Amazon.it.
Since its arrival in Italia, Amazon has invested a total of over €2 billion in the southern regions, creating more than 3,000 permanent jobs and generating an additional economic impact of over €1.5 billion.
Seven solar parks in Sicily
Amazon is focusing on carbon-free energy sources for its energy supply, with the aim of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2040. In line with this commitment, Amazon has contributed to the development of seven solar projects in Sicily, which help to power the company’s operations in Italia with renewable energy. Development of four of these plants began in 2025. These are in addition to the three projects already operational in the region, including two agrivoltaic parks – which combine renewable energy production with 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 the solar panels installed on the roofs of 32 logistics sites across Italia, bringing the total to 40 projects.
Meanwhile, Amazon is committed to supporting the growth of southern SMEs through e-commerce. To this end, it is offering southern SMEs a credit of up to €500 on referral fees for eligible sales partners who list their products in the Made in Italy showcase. New Amazon selling partners based in one of the eight southern regions – Abruzzo, Molise, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia – who hold a registered trademark and have products available in the Made in Italy selection are eligible for the initiative.
