Apple Inc. is expanding its renewable energy capacity in Australia with the announcement of a new solar energy project in Lancaster, Victoria.
The initiative is part of the tech giant’s solution to address the carbon impact of its products and support global environmental goals. The Lancaster solar project, developed in collaboration with European Energy, aims to contribute over 1 million megawatt-hours of new clean electricity annually by 2030, helping Apple meet its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
The new solar project will begin generating power in 2026 and is one of several that Apple has planned across Australia.
The company’s decision to focus on renewable energy is tied to its ambition to match the electricity used to charge its products with 100% clean energy within five years. Emissions from product use account for 29% of Apple’s overall carbon footprint, according to the company’s 2023 Environmental Progress Report, making this renewable energy shift crucial to its carbon neutrality target.
Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, commented on the initiative, stating: “By 2030, we want our users to know that all the energy it takes to charge their iPhone or power their Mac is matched with clean electricity. We are proud to do our part to support Australia’s transition to a cleaner grid and drive positive impacts for communities and nature – all while moving closer to our ambitious goal to be carbon neutral across our entire footprint.”
Apple is also making significant investments in carbon removal through its Restore Fund, launched in 2021. The fund focuses more on supporting nature-based solutions, including the restoration of ecosystems to absorb carbon. Apple’s latest commitment involves restoring 8,600 hectares of forestland across five sites in New Zealand, a key component of its broader environmental strategy.
This project combines redwood forestry with the conservation of native forests and is part of Apple’s ongoing efforts to expand the fund’s impact globally.
The Restore Fund has already invested in over 20 conservation and regenerative agriculture projects across six continents. In addition to New Zealand, Apple is backing projects in the U.S. and Latin America.
Apple’s renewable energy and carbon removal projects underline the company’s leadership in corporate sustainability. They support job creation, infrastructure development, and the transition to cleaner energy grids, not just in Australia, but globally. Apple’s emphasis on sustainability showcases how companies can contribute to environmental goals while supporting long-term growth and profitability.
Apple’s initiatives, including the Lancaster solar project and the Restore Fund, highlight the company’s progress towards carbon neutrality by 2030.