Apple has added $99 million to its China Clean Energy Fund, marking the start of a second phase aimed at boosting renewable energy projects across the country. Originally launched in 2018 with a $300 million investment, the fund supports clean energy adoption among Apple’s Chinese suppliers.
According to Apple COO Jeff Williams, the move strengthens partnerships across China and supports green manufacturing goals. The new funds will help generate an additional 550,000 megawatt-hours of wind and solar power.
Building on a Promising Start
In its first phase, the fund supported projects that produced more than 1 gigawatt of renewable energy across 14 provinces. By 2024, Apple had helped power two-thirds of its China production with clean energy sources.
The company says it remains committed to becoming carbon neutral across its entire supply chain and products by 2030. Apple’s efforts have already earned it a United Nations Climate Action Award and praise from environmental groups like Greenpeace.
Supplier Transparency Still Limited
While Apple has not disclosed which suppliers will participate in this second phase, the original partners included major companies like Luxshare, Pegatron, Jabil, and Corning. Many of these firms have since expanded their operations or shifted facilities to better align with Apple’s green goals.
Luxshare, for instance, acquired Pegatron’s iPhone factory stake and two Wistron subsidiaries, showing its growing role in Apple’s supply chain.
Green Goals, But Some Criticism
Despite its strong environmental record, Apple has faced scrutiny. Some groups accused the company of “climate-washing” after it branded the Apple Watch Series 9 as its first carbon-neutral product in 2023.
Still, the expansion of the China Clean Energy Fund shows Apple is continuing to invest in real, long-term solutions to reduce its global carbon footprint. With the new funding, Apple hopes to attract more suppliers and partners to join its clean energy mission.
