Crunch time: Apple users boost Twiggy’s Qld wind farm project
Apple will buy renewable energy from a planned north Queensland wind farm to offset the carbon created in consumers charging the company’s devices.
Andrew 'Twiggy" Forrest has won Government backing for his hydrogen plans (Photo: ABC)
The deal was announced by Apple’s chief executive Tim Cook on the 40th anniversary of the company’s presence in Australia.
The Upper Burdekin Wind Farm is a Windlab project, a company majority owned by Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest. It is expected to have 136 wind turbines for an output of 950 megawatts making it one of the state’s biggest wind projects.
Apple did a similar deal in Texas earlier this year in which a 300 megawatt solar project was used. The company has more than 10 gigawatts of clean energy operations in its supply chain.
Cook said with the purchase from the Upper Burdekin Wind Farm, which is not expected to actually be in operation until 2026, Apple would help address the energy its customers use.
Apple vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives Lisa Jackson said the company recognised the urgent need to address the climate crisis.
“We are proud to play our part in Australia’s transition to a cleaner energy grid and thrilled Apple will soon support Australian customers’ use of their favourite products with clean energy,” she said.
The off-take deal was equivalent to the energy used to power 80,000 homes.
It’s understood Apple will buy about 500 megawatts a year
