Amazon announces two water replenishment projects in Germany, expected to save more than 370 million litres annually

• AWS cloud-based technology to monitor 500 buildings in Frankfurt, reducing water loss up to 20% in non-residential properties
• Wetland restoration and creation in the Spessart Forest to recharge groundwater and create habitats for endangered species

Amazon announced two water replenishment projects in Germany: an innovative urban leak detection initiative in Frankfurt and a wetland restoration project in the Spessart Forest upstream of the city. Together, the projects are expected to return nearly 370 million litres of water annually to the community once completed. Through collaborations with Shayp, a water technology scaleup built on Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud infrastructure, and EcoTree, a European nature project developer, the initiatives combine cutting-edge technology with nature-based solutions to further support water resilience in communities where Amazon operates its data centres. The two projects contribute to AWS's goal to return more water to communities than it uses in its direct operations by 2030.

Hesse's Digital Minister, Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus stated: “Hesse is a key region for innovative and sustainable data centre development, which is why AWS's water stewardship projects strengthen Hesse as a leading investment location. With our regional data centre agenda, we want to consolidate and expand our status as a digital powerhouse in Europe by combining growth, water sustainability, and technological strength”.

“As cities face increasing water challenges, we have a responsibility to be good water stewards and support innovative solutions that make every drop count”, said Michael Hannisch, AWS Head of Technology in Germany. “These projects in Germany demonstrate how technology and nature-based solutions can help us use water more efficiently, reducing waste and ensuring this vital resource is available for communities now and in the future.”

Addressing urban water loss through technology

The leak detection initiative in Frankfurt tackles a critical yet often overlooked challenge: in many buildings, water leaks are not detected promptly and can account for a substantial share of total water use. Amazon is funding the installation of Shayp's smart Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring technology in 500 buildings across Frankfurt by 2028, at no cost to building owners and operators. Participating buildings, including public facilities such as schools, hospitals, and medical centres, will receive automated leak detection 24/7, enabling immediate response to water waste.

Installation of Shayp sensors will begin this year and is expected to be completed by 2028. Once installed, each sensor provides continuous 24/7 monitoring – meaning water savings start immediately and are expected to accumulate year after year well beyond the installation period. The AWS cloud-based technology enables real-time data analysis and rapid response for detected leaks, maximizing water conservation impact from day one. Shayp will work with German facility management group WISAG to recruit participating buildings.

Gregoire de Hemptinne, CEO of Shayp: “We are proud to collaborate with Amazon on this groundbreaking project in Frankfurt. Our AWS-powered technology will help the city reduce water waste by more than 320 million litres whilst demonstrating how innovation can address critical environmental challenges”.

Shayp was selected for the Amazon Sustainability Accelerator in 2025, chosen from over 550 applications addressing energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water management. The Belgian water technology company has already helped save more than 30 billion litres of water globally and typically helps buildings reduce their water consumption by up to 20%. Shayp is also working with Amazon's European operations team on additional projects at Amazon sites across Europe.

Restoring nature's water systems upstream of Frankfurt

The wetland restoration project, implemented by EcoTree, is expected to strengthen natural wetland conditions across 200 hectares in the Spessart Forest near Würzburg, Bavaria – a region upstream of Frankfurt within the greater Main watershed. Through strategic excavation work, the project will create around six hectares of new wetland habitats that slow water flow, increase retention capacity, and promote groundwater recharge as water filters naturally back into the earth. The initiative is expected to replenish more than 57 million litres of water annually when completed by the end of 2027.

Beyond water restoration, the project will contribute to better habitats for endangered species including amphibians and the black stork while stabilizing microclimates and sustaining carbon storage in the mixed forest. The project also supports national environmental goals under Germany's Water Resources Act and Biodiversity Strategy.

Christian Bergius, Managing Director EcoTree Germany: “We’re officially in an era of water extremes: it’s either too much, too little or often too polluted causing droughts and floodings, that directly threaten communities, ecosystems and businesses across Germany. That’s precisely why we need to accelerate the restoration and adaptation of ecosystems and their hydrological balance and we’re particularly happy about Amazon’s strategic contribution to this lighthouse project.”

Part of global water conservation leadership

These projects are part of Amazon's broader water conservation initiatives. Globally, Amazon has announced over 50 water projects expected to return more than 21 billion litres of water to communities and watersheds annually. From leak detection in urban areas to irrigation efficiency foragriculture, Amazon invests in innovative solutions that help communities manage water resources sustainably.

Beyond water stewardship, Amazon continues to invest in carbon-free energy to power its operations sustainably. Amazon is Europe's largest corporate purchaser of carbon-free energy, with more than 260 projects delivering over 10 gigawatts capacity across the region once operational, enough to power the equivalent of more than 8 million European households annually. In January 2026, Amazon signed a new power purchase agreement with RWE for 110 megawatts from the Nordseecluster B offshore wind farm in the German North Sea, adding to its growing renewable energy portfolio in Germany. Closer to the ground, Amazon's Right Now Climate Fund is supporting the planting of 20 mini-forests across Berlin to help the city adapt to rising temperatures and extreme weather. Addressing both water and energy use is central to Amazon's approach to operating data centres responsibly and goal to reach net-zero carbon by 2040.