Apple's Renewable Energy Investments in China

On October 21, 2015 Apple announced that it is ramping up its renewable energy investments in China. The company is working with its Chinese suppliers to produce 2.2 gigawatts of solar power and other renewable energy. This move will decrease Apple’s carbon footprint by an estimated 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas as more of its suppliers rely on renewable energy between now and 2020.

Apple is but one of a number of technology companies that are increasingly relying on renewables. Google, Facebook and microsoft are also making substantial investments in renewable energy.

Apple will finance 200 megawatts of solar power capacity in regions of China where many of its suppliers are located. Apple and its Chinese suppliers plan to add more than 2 gigawatts of renewable energy from solar, wind and hydroelectric power.

Foxconn, which runs the factory where the most iPhones are assembled will install 400 megawatts of solar power by 2018 in China’s Henan Province. This will enable the factory to produce an amount of energy equivalent to the power it uses.

Apple has recently completed solar projects that will generate 40 megawatts of power to offset 24 stores and 19 offices China.

Apple already powers its US data centers, offices and stores with renewables. Apple was one of a number of companies that responded to requests from the White House this summer to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and increase their supply of renewable energy.

Apple’s green efforts have contributed to improved reputation which has bottom line benefits.

Apple is also among the companies that have supported the US Clean Power Plan