Apple Builds Solar and Wind Power Projects in Europe to Reach NZE Targets

JAKARTA - Apple Inc announced on Tuesday October 25 that it will make new investments to set up solar and wind projects in Europe and is asking its suppliers to decarbonise operations related to the production of iPhones and other products.

Apple has pledged in 2020 to eliminate net zero emissions (NZE) from its entire business, including its extensive products and supply chain, which stretches from Vietnam to Brazil, by 2030.

The iPhone maker will now require its supply partners to report progress on its zero-percent carbon program targets, specifically Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission reductions, related to the production of Apple products and will audit their progress annually.

According to Apple, more than 200 suppliers, representing 70% of Apple's direct manufacturing spending and including Corning Inc, Nitto Denko Corp, SK Hynix Inc, STMicroelectronics, TSMC and Yuto, have committed to using clean energy such as wind or solar for all Apple production.

Apple has previously asked suppliers to commit to using 100% renewable energy for Apple's production.

"We are determined to be the ripple in the pool that creates greater change," said Chief Executive Officer, Tim Cook, as quoted by Reuters. Apple says it has been a carbon neutral company for its global enterprise operations since 2020.

Many multinational companies are increasingly looking to global supply chains to reduce their carbon footprints as climate change becomes a greater focus for investors and regulators.

Apple says the investment in Europe is part of a strategy to address the roughly 22% of its carbon footprint that comes from electricity customers use to charge their devices.

With the construction of a new project in Europe, the company aims to power all Apple devices on the continent with low-carbon electricity.

"In total, the planned investment will add 3.000 gigawatt hours per year of new renewable energy in the grid," Apple said.