Apple expands renewable energy initiatives in China

Apple has announced plans to expand its renewable energy projects in China as well as signed a partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to protect forests across the country.

With the new forestland programme, the iPhone maker aims to protect as much as one million acres of responsibly managed working forests that produces fiber for pulp, paper and wood products.

The company claims that energy generated thourgh renewable sources, including from solar, wind, biogas, fuel cells, geothermal and small hydropower plants supplies to 87% of its operation. It is aiming to power all its operations worldwide through renewable energy.

WWF China CEO Lo Sze Ping said: "This collaboration between our two organisations will seek to reduce China’s ecological footprint by helping produce more wood from responsibly managed forests within its own borders.

"Doing so is essential to China, the world’s biggest timber importer. Our hope is this will catalyse a new model of corporate leadership in promoting sustainable forest management and using paper resources more efficiently and responsibly around the world."

Apple is planning to undertake a two 20MW solar farm project, which will combine to produce 80 million kilowatt hours per year of clean energy, which according to the company is enough to provide electricity to 61,000 homes in China.

For the project, the iPhone maker is teaming up with Leshan Electric Power, SunPower, Sichuan Development, Tianjin Tsinlien Investment, and Tianjin Zhonghuan Semiconductor.

Previously, the company launched its first major solar project in Sichuan province in China which can generate more energy than itneeded for its retail stores and corporate offices combined.