Apple to Build Over 200 Megawatts of Solar Projects in China

Apple has announced two new programs in China, with aims to reduce the carbon footprint of its manufacturing partners in the country. Both programs will assist in avoiding over 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gases in China over the next five years, which Apple says is the equivalent of removing close to 4 million passenger cars off roads annually.

“Climate change is one of the great challenges of our time, and the time for action is now,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “The transition to a new green economy requires innovation, ambition and purpose. We believe passionately in leaving the world better than we found it and hope that many other suppliers, partners and other companies join us in this important effort.”

Here are the two new plans:

• build more than 200 megawatts of solar projects in the northern, eastern and southern grid regions of China to offset energy used in Apple’s supply chain
• Apple will partner with suppliers in China to install more than 2 gigawatts of new clean energy in the coming years to help reduce carbon footprints

Apple says it will play a hands-on role with suppliers to show them best clean energy practices. Major supply partner Foxconn will build 400 megawatts of solar, beginning in Henan Province in 2018. Foxconn has agreed to produce as much clean energy as its Zhengzhou factory uses in its final production of iPhone.

Terry Gou, founder and CEO of Foxconn Technology Group. “Sustainability is a core pillar in Foxconn’s strategy and we are committed to investing in green manufacturing.”

Apple says as of today, 100 percent of its operations in China and the US, and over 87 percent of its worldwide operations, are being powered by renewable energy. Apple’s offices and retail stores in China are now carbon neutral thanks to the completion of 40 megawatts of solar projects in Sichuan Province.