Apple has announced plans to build a 400,000-square-foot data center in Waukee, Iowa, that will run entirely on renewable energy from day one.
Apple says its investment of $1.3 billion will create over 550 construction and operations jobs in the Des Moines area. The company is also contributing up to $100 million to a newly created Public Improvement Fund dedicated to community development and infrastructure around Waukee.
“At Apple, we’re always looking at ways to deliver even better experiences for our customers. Our new data center in Iowa will help serve millions of people across North America who use Siri, iMessage, Apple Music and other Apple services – all powered by renewable energy,” says Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO.
Apple says it will be working with local partners to invest in renewable energy projects from wind and other sources to power the data center. Apple has pledged to power all of its global operations with 100% renewable energy and has already reached that goal in the U.S. and 23 other countries.
“We’re honored Apple is choosing Iowa for the site of its most technologically advanced data center to date,” states Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. “Apple’s commitment to innovation and renewable energy leadership mirrors our own. This investment in our state is vital as we continue to develop as a technology hub and grow our workforce.”
Construction on the data center is expected to start early next year, and Apple plans to bring it online in 2020.
