Apple to Build Two of the World’s Largest Wind Turbines in Net-Zero Climate Impact Pledge
Apple has today announced that it will construct two of the world’s largest onshore wind turbines near Esbjerg in Denmark, in an expansion of its investment in renewable energy.
Via a press release, Apple explained that the new 200-meter-tall turbines will produce 62 gigawatt hours of energy every year; enough to power almost 20,000 homes. The area will also function as a test site for more powerful offshore wind turbines that may be constructed in the future.
The power produced at Esbjerg will support the Apple data center in Viborg, with all surplus energy going to the Danish grid. The Viborg data center helps to power the App Store, Apple Music, iMessage, Siri, and other services in Europe. Apple has already constructed one of Scandinavia’s largest solar arrays to power the data center.
“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 Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, Lisa Jackson. “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.”
Last month, Apple announced its intention to become completely carbon neutral by 2030. The new investment in onshore wind turbines is expected to help the company achieve its net-zero climate impact goal within the next decade, and will aid Apple’s effort to transition all of its Europe-based suppliers to renewable power.
European Apple suppliers Henkel and tesa SE, DSM Engineering Materials, STMicroelectronics, and Solvay are reportedly working towards clean energy solutions for their Apple fulfillment. German Apple supplier Varta has this week committed to running all Apple production with 100 percent renewable energy.
