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Apple Launches $99 Million China Clean Energy Fund to Reach 100% Renewable Supply Chain by 2030
Apple Inc. has launched its second China Clean Energy Fund, committing up to $99.3 Million (RMB 720 million) as the anchor investor to expand renewable energy projects across China. Managed by Schroders, this innovative fund aims not only to increase clean energy capacity but also to deliver financial returns for investors. The fund builds upon the success of Apple’s groundbreaking first fund, initiated in 2018, which added over 1 gigawatt of renewable capacity across 14 Chinese provinces.
The new fund targets adding approximately 550,000 megawatt-hours of wind and solar energy annually to China’s power grid, a number expected to grow as additional investors participate.
“Our suppliers in China are driving world-class advancements in smart and green manufacturing,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “With the launch of the second China Clean Energy Fund, we’re proud to deepen our collaboration with suppliers across China to drive innovation, opportunity and progress for our shared planet.”
Proven Success and Continued Expansion
The initial China Clean Energy Fund successfully financed critical renewable energy projects, such as the Concord Jing Tang and Concord Shen Zhang Tang wind farms in Hunan Province and another wind facility developed by Fenghua Energy Investment in Hubei Province. These early projects collectively supplied 134 megawatts of renewable energy, significantly contributing to China’s renewable targets.
Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, highlighted the importance of these projects, stating,
“To see these projects completed and already supplying clean energy to the grid is really exciting. We are proud that suppliers participating in the fund share our commitment to supporting innovative energy solutions, cutting emissions and fighting climate change.”
RELATED ARTICLE: Apple Advances Supplier Clean Energy Commitments
Broadening Access for the Supply Chain
The second China Clean Energy Fund continues Apple’s strategy of supporting renewable projects at early stages, increasing accessibility to clean energy solutions for diverse companies, including Apple’s extensive network of suppliers.
Currently, about two-thirds of Apple’s production in China is powered by renewable energy, supported by over 100 suppliers actively transitioning their Apple-related manufacturing operations toward 100% renewable energy.
“We’re proud to announce a new clean energy fund in China! Two thirds of our supply chain here is already running on renewable energy and this will help further our goal of running on 100% renewable energy by 2030,” noted Apple CEO Tim Cook via the social media platform Weibo.
Advancing Lifecycle Carbon Neutrality
Beyond manufacturing, Apple’s ambitious environmental target encompasses carbon neutrality across its entire carbon footprint by 2030, including the full lifecycle of its products—from manufacturing through to end-of-life. Apple collaborates closely with suppliers globally, significantly reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by over 55% since 2015.
This strategic investment also reinforces Apple’s commitment to fostering sustainable business cooperation between the U.S. and China.
“The business community has a big role to play in the development of China-U.S. relations,” CEO Tim Cook emphasized during his recent visit to Beijing. “Apple is willing to contribute to the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of bilateral relations.”
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