Apple Will Invest In The Construction Of World’s Largest Onshore Wind Turbines

Apple announced today that it will invest in the construction of two of the world’s largest onshore wind turbines, a source of clean, renew...

Apple announced today that it will invest in the construction of two of the world’s largest onshore wind turbines, a source of clean, renewable energy that will bring its supply chain and products one step closer to carbon neutrality.

Located near the Danish town of Esbjerg, the 200-meter-tall turbines are expected to produce 62-gigawatt hours each year — enough to power almost 20,000 homes — and will act as a test site for powerful offshore wind turbines. The power produced at Esbjerg will support Apple’s data center in Viborg, with all surplus energy going into the Danish grid.

“Combatting climate change demands urgent action and global partnership — and the Viborg data center is powerful proof that we can rise to this generational challenge,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives. “Investments in clean energy deliver breakthrough innovations that bring clean energy and good jobs to businesses and local communities. This is an area where we have to lead — for the sake of our planet and future generations.”

In October of 2015, Apple unveiled a program to help suppliers minimize their energy use and move to 100 % renewable electricity. Since its launch, 72 manufacturing partners in 17 different countries have dedicated 100% of renewable energy to Apple production. If all of Apple's supplier projects have been completed, these investments will eliminate more than 14.3 million metric tons of CO2 each year — the equivalent of taking more than 3 million cars off the road per year.

While Apple’s operations are already powered by 100 percent renewable energy and carbon-neutral, the company said last month that it intended to become carbon neutral across its entire business, manufacturing supply chain, and product life cycle by 2030. This pledge will mean that by 2030, every Apple device sold will have net-zero climate impact.