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Apple's Data Centers Now Running on 100% Renewable Energy

macrumors.com

11–20 of 89 posts

Re: Apple's Data Centers Now Running on 100% Renewable Energy

#11
post #9

This is some pretty deceptive marketing. Apple's data centers still run on coal in places like North Carolina because that's is what is producing the electricity on the grid. Their renewable projects produce a decent amount of electricity, but one of the most critical issues of the electrical grid is stability and solar, even with the fuel cells does not provide enough electricity on cloudy days or over night. Solar,…

That's Apple's style...

Re: Apple's Data Centers Now Running on 100% Renewable Energy

#13
post #8

It's a good collateral effect for the environment, but it's all about money.

Then why isn't everyone doing it? And if it does become all about 'the money' then that's great, whatever gets large companies on-board with being as environmentally responsible as possible can only be a good thing..

The faster it becomes a no-brainer decision the better.

Re: Apple's Data Centers Now Running on 100% Renewable Energy

#14
post #9

This is some pretty deceptive marketing. Apple's data centers still run on coal in places like North Carolina because that's is what is producing the electricity on the grid. Their renewable projects produce a decent amount of electricity, but one of the most critical issues of the electrical grid is stability and solar, even with the fuel cells does not provide enough electricity on cloudy days or over night. Solar,…

But doesn't the energy produced still get used, offsetting coal that would otherwise be burnt? That would seem an admirable step, even if it isn't so simple as removing non-renewable sources entirely from the picture.

Re: Apple's Data Centers Now Running on 100% Renewable Energy

#15
post #9

This is some pretty deceptive marketing. Apple's data centers still run on coal in places like North Carolina because that's is what is producing the electricity on the grid. Their renewable projects produce a decent amount of electricity, but one of the most critical issues of the electrical grid is stability and solar, even with the fuel cells does not provide enough electricity on cloudy days or over night. Solar,…

This is like Power To Choose in Texas. You could choose a renewable energy source from the list. You might be supplied from the nearest coal based plant. However you are still helping the few companies that produce and sell renewable energy to the grid.

Re: Apple's Data Centers Now Running on 100% Renewable Energy

#16

I'm wondering how much space would be left if every company in the states all decide to switch to solar energy.

I haven't read through this yet, but it looks like an attempt at answering that question: http://landartgenerator.org/blagi/archives/127

Re: Apple's Data Centers Now Running on 100% Renewable Energy

#17
post #7
post #4

This is great, but I bet apple's suppliers and manufacturers aren't anywhere close to this level of renewable energy.

Are those suppliers and manufacturers supplying and manufacturing for Apple only, or for other companies too?

I am saying Apple makes physical products and its probably the biggest part of their business and its not represented in their renewable energy numbers. I don't think wrong to want more clarity and less PR when it comes to the environment.

Re: Apple's Data Centers Now Running on 100% Renewable Energy

#18
post #9

This is some pretty deceptive marketing. Apple's data centers still run on coal in places like North Carolina because that's is what is producing the electricity on the grid. Their renewable projects produce a decent amount of electricity, but one of the most critical issues of the electrical grid is stability and solar, even with the fuel cells does not provide enough electricity on cloudy days or over night. Solar,…

[deleted]

Re: Apple's Data Centers Now Running on 100% Renewable Energy

#19
post #4

This is great, but I bet apple's suppliers and manufacturers aren't anywhere close to this level of renewable energy.

So what's the point? Do you think its still better than not using renewable energy or not? Also there is no mandate to use 100% renewable energy is there?

Re: Apple's Data Centers Now Running on 100% Renewable Energy

#20
post #9

This is some pretty deceptive marketing. Apple's data centers still run on coal in places like North Carolina because that's is what is producing the electricity on the grid. Their renewable projects produce a decent amount of electricity, but one of the most critical issues of the electrical grid is stability and solar, even with the fuel cells does not provide enough electricity on cloudy days or over night. Solar,…

Just model the grid as a battery in your head. Just because the grid is really bad at storing energy now, doesn't meant hat this won't change soon. And that's not Apple's problem.

All the energy that they produce and put on the grid is energy that is not generated by fossil fuels or nuclear. Good enough.

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