Apple announces €1.7bn investment for renewable energy powered data centres in Europe

US technology giant Apple intends to invest €1.7bn for setting up two European data centres which will be powered by renewable energy.

To be developed in Galway, Ireland and Jutland, Denmark, the facilities are expected to start working by 2017.

The company has also announced about plans to work with other local entities for development of renewable energy projects, each of which will be spread over 166,000m² area.

Apple CEO Tim Cook said: "This significant new investment represents Apple’s biggest project in Europe to date.
"We’re thrilled to be expanding our operations, creating hundreds of local jobs and introducing some of our most advanced green building designs yet."

Apple vice president of environmental initiatives Lisa Jackson said: "We’re excited to spur green industry growth in Ireland and Denmark and develop energy systems that take advantage of their strong wind resources.

"Our commitment to environmental responsibility is good for the planet, good for our business and good for the European economy."

The Denmark based project will be constructed next to an electrical substation, which will do away with the requirement of additional generators, Apple said.

In Ireland, Apple intends to recover used land which earlier had been home to non-native trees. The project is expected to restore native trees to Derrydonnell Forest.