Tomas Chlebek “Climate change is one of the great challenges of this era and the time for action is now. The transition to a new green economy requires innovation, ambition and purpose. We strongly believe in leaving the world better than we found it, and we hope that many suppliers, partners and other companies will join us in this important endeavour.”
This quote from Tim Cook contextualizes information from Apple's latest press release regarding its investment in expanding the use of renewable energy in China. Apple itself already powers all of its own operations here (offices, stores) entirely with renewable resources, more precisely with the recently completed solar power plant in Sichuan province. It is capable of producing 40 megawatts of electricity, which is more than Apple needs to run all of its operations here.
Now, however, Apple is focusing on expanding this approach beyond its own company. It does so through two new projects. The first is connected with the construction of other solar farms in the north, east and south of China, together producing over 200 megawatts of electricity. For an idea, this would be enough for 265 thousand Chinese homes for a whole year. Apple will use them for its supply chain.
The goal of the second project is to get as many Chinese production partners as possible to use ecological energy sources for production. This will ensure the establishment of cooperation with Chinese suppliers and the installation of equipment capable of generating more than two gigawatts of electricity, with little negative impact on the environment.
Apple is also ready to share information about the efficient acquisition of environmentally friendly energy and the construction of quality devices used for this. It is also willing to assist suppliers in energy efficiency audits, regulatory guidance, etc. In conjunction with these initiatives, Foxconn, one of Apple's main suppliers, will build a total of 2018 megawatts of solar farms by 400, starting in Henan province.
Terry Gou, director of Foxconn Technology Group, commented: “We are excited to be embarking on this initiative with Apple. I share our company's vision of sustainability leadership and hope this renewable energy project will serve as a catalyst for continued efforts to support a greener ecosystem in our industry and beyond.”
In parallel with the announcement of these projects, Tim Cook commented on the current state of the Chinese economy, which in recent months has been experiencing problems after rapid growth associated with large investor sales and the government's failed efforts to boost confidence. “I know some people are worried about the economy. We will continue to invest. China is a great place. It doesn't change anything," said the head of Apple, who has already visited China several times and allowed himself to be immortalized during a visit to the Great Wall of China. He then sent the photo to the local social network Weibo.
The troubles in the Chinese stock market do not mean that the overall economy there is in decline. China is still a relatively fast growing market. Current figures show year-on-year GDP growth of 6,9%.
Why don't they put a solar panel on the back of the iphone? Nah, I enjoy charging it every day :/
Because it is inefficient, expensive, "fragile" + dangerous and unsightly. That the phone would last an hour longer (in the summer!) is a bit low compared to these pros, isn't it?