We are in the midst of a refreshing shift as some of the world’s wealthiest people and companies invest their cash into progressive measures to create a better planet. Apple is joining the ranks of Bill Gates’ $2 billion investment in clean energy with its recent $1.5 million pledge to research and develop new wave energy projects off the coast of Ireland. This announcement brings the company closer to its goal of running its facilities off of 100 percent renewable energy.
Apple’s alliance with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) was announced this week along with the €1 million ($1.52 million) fund the computer conglomerate has committed, Treehugger reports. The funds will go to testing ocean wave prototypes on the Galway Bay Ocean Energy Test Site, which is close to the new data center Apple is currently building in Athenry.
Related: Ireland can generate three times its renewable energy needs
“The west coast of Ireland is recognised as having some of the best wave resources in the world and I warmly welcome this agreement between Apple and SEAI to help harness this renewable source of energy. This is an excellent achievement for Ireland and shows that when it comes to ocean energy development, Ireland is definitely open for business,” stated an excited Alex White, the Minister for Communication, Energy and Natural Resources in Ireland.
Apple has been making waves (pardon the pun) for its recent focus on sustainable energy. By installing a multitude of solar units, protecting forests in the US and China, and receiving praise by Greenpeace International for its earth-friendly efforts, Apple is becoming quite a frontrunner in the race to prove which business entity can be the biggest influence for energy reform.
Via Treehugger
Images via Shutterstock (1,2)
