Apple adds 650 megawatts of renewables in Europe with more coming in China

On Tuesday, Apple revealed its commitment to renewable energy by signing contracts for a substantial 650 megawatts of clean power across Europe. This initiative encompasses both wind and solar energy projects that are currently operational or will be soon. A significant portion of this energy will be utilized to offset the consumption by Apple users, as devices ranging from Mac Pros to Apple Watches contribute to nearly a third of the company's carbon footprint. Despite Europe's reputation for less sunlight, Apple has strategically partnered with various solar farms to harness energy. Notable projects include 110 megawatts in Greece and Latvia, 131 megawatts in Spain, and 40 megawatts in Poland. Additionally, wind energy will contribute 99 megawatts from Romania and part of a 129-megawatt solar-wind portfolio in Italy. In a parallel move, Apple is set to invest $150 million in China to assist its suppliers in transitioning to renewable energy. Currently, more than 90% of Apple's manufacturing operations in the country are powered by renewable sources. Interestingly, these announcements have surfaced on Apple’s regional websites but have not yet appeared on its U.S. press site—a notable shift from previous practices. This strategic focus on renewable energy aligns with broader trends in the tech industry, where companies like Microsoft and Meta have also been significant buyers of solar energy. In fact, Meta has recently added over 2 gigawatts of solar capacity this year alone, while Microsoft has secured contracts that increase its capacity by 1.5 gigawatts. The push for renewable energy among major tech firms is driven by practical factors as well. Solar and wind energy have become some of the most cost-effective sources of new generating capacity, often cheaper than coal and natural gas. Additionally, the rapid development of solar farms—typically completed within 18 months—allows tech companies to quickly secure the power needed for their data centers and AI operations, making timely energy access a critical advantage.