article_snippet.sent: The initiatives come as the tech giant this year met a self-imposed goal of powering all the tech giant U.S. operations with renewable energy to reduce carbon emissions — initiatives that have won high marks from environmental groups.
article_snippet.sent: On Thursday,  It's also promising to use more renewable power overseas, where Apple relies heavily on contract manufacturers — and where a top executive acknowledged Apple can do more. '
article_snippet.sent: The new solar project in China has a capacity of 40 megawatts, which is smaller than some projects Apple has announced in the United States.
article_snippet.sent: By comparison, Apple is spending $850 million for rights to nearly half the output of a 280-megawatt solar facility planned for construction south of Apple's Cupertino, California, headquarters.
article_snippet.sent: The new solar project in China will produce enough energy to power all of Apple's California offices, a computer center and 52 retail stores.
article_snippet.sent: Still, The new solar project in China will produce more than the amount of energy consumed by Apple's 19 corporate offices and 21 retail stores in China and Hong Kong, Jackson said.
article_snippet.sent: Jackson added that Apple uses renewable energy for 87 percent of the power at Apple facilities worldwide.
article_snippet.sent: That figure, however, doesn't include substantial power consumption by contract manufacturers.
article_snippet.sent: With The new solar project in China, Apple is looking to improve Apple own operations first. '
article_snippet.sent: Apple and other tech companies have drawn criticism in the past for use of toxics in manufacturing and data centers powered by electricity from coal.
article_snippet.sent: Although China is known for heavy reliance on coal, China government has set aggressive goals for solar, wind and hydroelectric power.
highlights_snippet.sent: Firm now powers U.S. operations with renewable energy .