Amazon has committed to two more solar farms in Ohio, bringing to 16 the number of renewable energy projects the online retailer is developing in the state as part of its commitment to reduce its emissions of carbon dioxide.

Amazon made the announcement Wednesday, part of a plan in which Amazon announced 18 new projects around the world.

The 150-megawatt Willowbrook project straddles Brown and Highland counties in southwest Ohio. The 90-megawatt Mark Center project is in in Defiance County in northwest Ohio.

Construction of the Willowbrook project started last month, according to state regulators. Construction of the Mark Center project is expected to begin next year.

The 16 projects totaling 2,216 megawatts include 15 solar farms and one wind farm.

Amazon now has 274 renewable energy projects globally, and the company said it is on track to power 100% of its business with renewable energy by 2025.

Amazon's two new solar projects in Ohio are part of a surging interest in solar development in the state with more than 40 projects under development.

mawilliams@dispatch.com

@BizMarkWilliams

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Solar farms in southwest, northwest Ohio to be developed by Amazon