Apple, First Solar ink solar farm power deal

MANILA, Philippines – Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed plans for a new solar farm in Monterey County, California, while speaking at the Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference on Tuesday, February 10 (February 11 Manila Time).

The $848 million, 1,300-acre solar farm will be built in partnership with First Solar.

Apple will receive 130 megawatts from First Solar under a 25-year power purchase agreement, with Tim Cook saying that it is the company’s “biggest, boldest and most ambitious project ever.”

It will power Apple’s new campus that’s currently being built, as well as all the retail stores, offices, and a data center in California.

“We know at Apple that climate change is real.” Cook said. “Our view is the time for talk is past and the time for action is now.”

Construction of the solar farm is expected to be finished by the end of 2016, the same target for finishing Apple’s new headquarters in Cupertino.

“Apple is leading the way in addressing climate change by showing how large companies can serve their operations with 100% clean, renewable energy.” Joe Kishkill, Chief Commercial Officer for First Solar, said.

The news follows Apple’s efforts toward greener production. Last year, the company did well on Greenpeace’s study, “Clicking Clean: How Companies are Creating the Green Internet.”

Apple scored an A on Energy Transparency, Renewable Energy Deployment and Advocacy, Renewable Energy Commitment, and Sitting Policy, and a B on Energy Efficiency and Mitigation. – Rappler.com