14 DAY TRIAL // In an effort to power European online services more efficiently and in an environmentally-friendly manner, Apple today announced plans to invest an astounding €1.7 billion ($1.93 billion) to build two massive data centers in Ireland and Denmark. Both facilities will be 100% powered by renewable energy.
As part of the initiative, the iPhone makers plan to restore native trees to Derrydonnell Forest, as well as provide an outdoor education space for local schools in Ireland. In Denmark, excess heat captured from equipment inside the facility will be conducted into homes.
More power for iTunes Store, App Store, iMessage, Maps and Siri
Apple’s initiative seeks to improve all services related to content distribution and services across iTunes and iCloud in Europe. This includes the iTunes Store with its music and video offerings, the App Stores for iOS and OS X, iMessage for all Apple device owners, as well as Maps and Siri.
Extra data centers means extra power and reliability for these online services, as well as faster operations and better performance overall. Each measuring 166,000 square meters (544,619 square feet), these data centers come at a big cost for Apple - €1.7 billion ($1.93 billion).
The company not only plans to get a return of its investment using 100% renewable energy, but also wants to generate additional value around the facilities, such as job creation, and environmental benefits.
Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environmental Initiatives, says "We’re excited to spur green industry growth in Ireland and Denmark and develop energy systems that take advantage of their strong wind resources. Our commitment to environmental responsibility is good for the planet, good for our business and good for the European economy.”
Operations to begin in 2017
Building state-of-the-art data centers is no easy task, but even with their planned debut in 2017 the facilities are still coming online in record timing. In today’s press release, Apple outlines just a few of the additional benefits about to be spurred from their creation.
Ireland will see land previously used for growing and harvesting non-native trees restored to its original form, with native vegetation being returned to Derrydonnell Forest. Apple is doing the same thing with its Campus 2 project in Cupertino, California, where it plans to restore apricot orchards.
The Ireland project will also give birth to an outdoor education space for local schools, complete with a walking trail.
In Denmark, Apple says it will help sustain the power grid while also warming homes using excess heat captured from inside the data center.