Apple to develop 650MW solar and wind farms in Europe

Tech major Apple is broadening its renewable energy initiatives throughout Europe, focusing on the development of solar and wind farms in countries such as Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, and Romania.

These initiative aims to add 650 megawatt (MW) of renewable energy capacity to European electrical grids, supporting the company’s ‘Apple 2030’ goal of becoming carbon neutral.

By 2030, these projects are expected to produce over 1 million megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity for Apple users.

Additionally, a newly operational solar array in Spain contributes to this effort.

Apple’s investment in these initiatives is expected to unlock over $600m in financing.

Apple environment, policy, and social initiatives vice president Lisa Jackson stated: “By 2030, we want our users to know that all the energy it takes to charge their iPhone or power their Mac is matched with clean electricity.

“Our new projects in Europe will help us achieve our ambitious Apple 2030 goal, while contributing to healthy communities, thriving economies, and secure energy sources across the continent.”

In 2024, the energy required to charge and operate Apple devices is claimed to have constituted approximately 29% of the company’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

To tackle these emissions, Apple stated that it supports renewable energy initiatives that optimise their impact on global power grids, with the goal of decreasing carbon emissions associated with charging and powering Apple devices.

Apple’s strategy considers the locations where its products are used and prioritises projects in grids with higher carbon intensity.

Throughout Europe, Apple is spearheading the development of major projects aimed at contributing approximately 3,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable energy annually to the grid by 2030.

The company has entered into a long-term contract to source electricity from a 110MW solar project in Greece.

It is also backing a 129MW portfolio of wind and solar initiatives in Italy, along with a 40MW solar installation in Poland.

Furthermore, Apple intends to acquire power from Nala Renewables’ 99MW wind farm located in Galati County, Romania, and has finalised a power purchase agreement (PPA) for electricity from a 110MW solar farm located in Latvia.

Apple stated that as it advances towards its 2030 objective, it is actively facilitating renewable energy initiatives globally.

Beyond its investments in product usage, Apple and its suppliers are backing more than 19 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy to power the company’s worldwide corporate operations and manufacturing supply chain.