Apple Kicks Off Supplier Clean Energy Program In Japan

Apple - Solar Power - Japan

Apple has announced Ibiden, the tech giant’s Japanese component manufacturer, will become the first company in the country to power all its Apple-related operations with 100 percent renewable energy.

Ibiden, which supplies circuits and chips for Apple devices, will invest in more than 20 clean power projects. Among these are a large floating solar PV plant installed on the site of a former lumber yard outside Nagoya, Japan.

In total the projects add up to over 12 MW of solar energy capacity – more than Ibiden requires for its Apple operations – and will contribute to Japan’s carbon minimisation efforts.

A draft climate plan by the Japanese government sets an official target of a 3.8 percent or more reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 compared to 2005 levels, with a further cut in emissions of 26 percent by 2030 below 2013 levels. The plan also calls for a ramping up of renewable energy generation, along with bringing back online some idled nuclear plants once safety can be assured.

Apple - Renewable Energy - Japan
Image: Apple

“These innovative new clean energy investments demonstrate our commitment to doing business responsibly and economically,” said Kyoichi Yamanaka, Managing Director of Ibiden’s Environment Group.

“Our products help Apple devices run smarter, and now we’re powering our operations with smarter energy too. We’re pleased to partner with Apple and lead the way in helping Japan meet its clean energy goals.”

Apple last year joined RE100, a global initiative by major corporations committed to 100 percent renewable energy. The company has made major investments in sourcing renewable electricity for its fleet of data centres and now boasts the 100 percent renewable tag in 23 countries, including China, Germany, Singapore and the U.S. Its efforts saw it given an “A” grade in Greenpeace’s recent scorecard.

By the end of 2018, Apple and its suppliers will end up generating a staggering 2.5 billion kilowatt hours per year of renewable energy worldwide. That’s enough to supply the electricity needs of more than 400,000 average Australian households.

“As we continue our push to power our global operations with 100 percent renewable energy, it is more important than ever that we help our manufacturing partners make the same transition to cleaner sources, and set an example for other companies to follow,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president for Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives.

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