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Amid deeper investigations
into how Apple may be using its operations in Ireland as a means for
tax avoidance on tens of billions of dollars in profit, the iPhone maker has announced that it will spend nearly $2 billion (€1.7 billion) to develop two new 100% renewable energy data centers in Europe.
The centers — which will use wind power and other green fuel sources —
will be located in Athenry, Ireland, and Viborg, Denmark. Apple said
that they will power services such as apps in the App Store, Siri and
iMessage. Both locations will run on 100 percent renewable energy and
Apple said they will have the “lowest environmental impact” of its data
centers thus far. It will also be following in the footsteps of
companies like Facebook, which has also built sustainable data center operations out in Europe.
Apple CEO Tim Cook said the new developments, which are expected to
come online in 2017 and will measure 166,000 square meters each, will create “hundreds” of new jobs in the local areas.
“We are grateful for Apple’s continued success in Europe and proud
that our investment supports communities across the continent,”
said Cook added. He and other Apple executives are currently on a tour
of Europe, making a stop earlier today in Germany at the factory that is making the glass windows for Apple’s new campus.
Apple says it directly employs 18,300 staff across 19 countries in
Europe, and “supports nearly 672,000 European jobs, including 530,000
jobs directly related to the development of iOS apps.”
Apple positioning itself as a leader in corporate social
responsibility, and leading investor, in Europe’s energy and job markets
is not just good business for Apple; it’s also coming at a key moment
for other reasons.
