Apple continues clean energy push with Singapore rooftop solar deal

The world’s largest technology company has announced that its entire Singapore operations, including a 2,500-person corporate campus and a forthcoming retail store, will be 100% powered by solar panels.

Analysts says the company’s recent efforts of focusing on renewable energy would help in cost-savings but will the benefit be transferred to the customers is too early to conclude, and the fact remains that Apple’s loyal consumers see Apple brand as a premium and privilege one, rather than for price.

According to Sunseap, rooftop installations are an ideal solution for densely populated Singapore, which doesn’t have land to spare for ground-mounted solar arrays. Apple and its chief LCD supplier, Foxconn, have further plans to generate hundreds of megawatts of solar power to boost Apple supply chain’s total clean energy consumption to 2GW. The deal, worth $850 million, will provide enough renewable energy to power every Apple Store in California, offices, headquarters and a data center. This also includes its upcoming store that will be the first-ever solar-powered store in Southeast Asia.

Currently, about 60 per cent of the power generated by Sunseap across Singapore are from panels spread over 900 tall housing blocks, also known as Housing Development Board (HDB) flats, a company spokesperson said. The island-state has always been alongside larger markets including Japan, Hong Kong and the US, but has never had an Apple Store in list of day one product launchings. Apple will be partnering with local company Sunseap group who will be providing renewable power.

It is not yet known when the Apple store will exactly open to the public. According to The Straits Times, clothing stores Tommy Hilfiger, Topshop/Topman and Brooks Brothers, as well as watch retailer Dickson Watch & Jewellery will be moving out to make way for this mega store.

The tech giant has also announced its employment program in Singapore, ahead of the inauguration of its store.

Angela Ahrendts, Apple’s Senior Vice President for Retail and Online Stores, Recently affirmed that an Apple Store would be opening shortly in Singapore.