Archive — US — techcrunch
Apple adds 650 megawatts of renewables in Europe with more coming in China
Apple has signed contracts for 650 megawatts of renewable energy in Europe, primarily from solar and wind sources, to reduce its carbon footprint. Additionally, they plan to invest $150 million in renewable energy initiatives in China, where over 90% of their operations are already powered by renewables. These moves reflect the tech industry's shift towards sustainable energy solutions amidst shifting political landscapes.
Key points
- Apple signed contracts for 650 megawatts of renewable energy in Europe.
- The contracts include both operational and upcoming wind and solar projects.
- Renewable projects aim to offset one-third of Apple's carbon footprint from product usage.
- Geographical energy contributions: 110 MW in Greece, 131 MW in Spain, 40 MW in Poland, 99 MW in Romania, and part of 129 MW portfolio in Italy.
- Apple will invest $150 million in China to assist suppliers in adopting renewable energy.
- Over 90% of Apple's manufacturing in China is powered by renewable sources.
- Apple's renewable announcements were featured on regional websites, not U.S. press feed, possibly due to political tensions.
- Solar and wind energy are becoming cheaper and more accessible for tech companies.
- Fast construction timelines for solar farms make them appealing for tech needs.
Why it matters
- Tech companies are increasingly shifting towards renewable energy to meet sustainability goals.
- Popularity of solar and wind as cost-effective power sources contrasts with the high costs of coal and natural gas.
- Major tech players such as Microsoft and Meta are also expanding their renewable energy portfolios significantly.
- The global trend towards renewable energy ties into broader 2025 IT trends focusing on sustainability in the tech industry.
Apple's commitment to renewable energy reflects a significant trend in the tech industry towards sustainability and highlights the urgent need for companies to adopt cleaner energy sources in their operations.