US technology giant Apple has launched a new clean energy programme to promote low carbon manufacturing in China.
It has manufactured millions of iPhones in China since 2007 causing air pollution and now the company has said it wants to “offset” damage by investing in renewables.
The company has said it will now work together with its manufacturing partners in China to produce 2.2GW of solar power and other renewable energy over the coming years.
Apple plans to expand its clean energy investments in China by building more than 200MW of solar projects in the northern, eastern and southern grid regions of the country.
In a statement Apple said this “will begin to offset the energy used in Apple’s supply chain.”
Apple has also begun construction on 40MW of solar projects in Sichuan Province. The energy produced is more than the total used by Apple’s offices and retail stores in China.
The company says the new programmes it will introduce will cut greenhouse gases by 20 million metric tonnes by 2020.
Apple chief executive Tim Cook said: “Climate change is one of the great challenges of our time, and the time for action is now.
“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.”
Additionally, as part of Apple’s industry-leading program, Foxconn is building 400MW of solar projects in Henan Province by 2018, enough to offset the amount of energy used for final production of iPhones at its Zhengzhou factory.
Foxconn chief executive Terry Gou said: “We are excited to embark on this initiative with Apple. Our companies share a vision for driving sustainability and I hope that this renewable energy project will serve as a catalyst for continued efforts to promote a greener ecosystem in our industry and beyond.”
Image: China solar (China wind power)
