Apple Adds 9 GW of Clean Power and Doubles Supplier Commitments

Technology giant Apple has revealed that the company has more than doubled the number of suppliers committed to using 100 percent clean energy over the last year, accelerating progress toward its ambitious 2030 goal to be carbon neutral across its supply chain and products.

In total, 175 Apple suppliers will transition to using renewable energy, and the company and its suppliers will bring online more than 9 gigawatts of clean power around the world. These actions will avoid over 18 million metric tons of CO2e annually — the equivalent of taking over 4 million cars off the road each year, said Apple.

The company added 10 new projects for its first-of-a-kind Power for Impact initiative to bring clean energy solutions to communities around the world. These projects are designed to provide renewable power to under-resourced communities while supporting economic growth and social impact.

‘“Every company should be a part of the fight against climate change, and together with our suppliers and local communities, we’re demonstrating all of the opportunity and equity green innovation can bring,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “We’re acting with urgency, and we’re acting together. But time is not a renewable resource, and we must act quickly to invest in a greener and more equitable future.”

While Apple is already carbon neutral across its global operations, by 2030, the company wishes to make every Apple device sold have a net-zero climate impact. In total, Apple has reduced its carbon emissions by 40 percent over the past five years.

Roughly 110 suppliers had committed to using 100% renewable power as of March, including many leading Asian players like BYD, Hon Hai Precision Industry, Pegatron, SK Hynix, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing.

The expanded roster published recently, which now accounts for almost 90% of Apple’s total suppliers, includes 11 Japanese additions, from Japan Display and Alps Alpine to aluminum maker UACJ, parts maker MinebeaMitsumi, electric wire maker Fujikura, and electronic connector maker Hirose.

Other notable additions include steelmaker Posco and battery makers Samsung SDI and LG Energy Solution from South Korea, as well as touch-screen maker TPK and circuit board producer Unimicron Technology from Taiwan. Infineon Technologies and Western Digital were among newcomers from outside Asia.

All companies that are involved in the final assembly of iPhones and Mac computers have committed to switching to 100% renewable energy, Apple said.

“For too long, the communities most impacted by climate change haven’t had a seat at the table. That has to change, and we’re committed to being part of that change,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives. “The new projects we’re sharing will help communities by developing new local renewable projects, creating a healthier and more equitable world while advancing the fight against climate change.”