Apple to invest $2bn in clean powered Arizona global command centre

Apple will invest US$2 billion in an Arizona data centre that will be powered entirely by solar energy.

The tech giant announced on Monday that it will convert the Mesa facility into a command centre for its global data network and a 70MW solar farm is included in the plans.

The site previously hosted the failed Apple glass supplier GT Advanced Technologies (GTAT), which filed for bankruptcy in October.

The new command centre will create 150 full-time jobs, and will also result in between 300 and 500 construction and trade jobs.

The companies existing data centres are all powered by clean energy, including facilities in San Francisco Bay Area, in North Carolina, and in Oregon, as well as a new facility opened in 2014 near Reno, Nevada.

Arizona governor Doug Ducey released a statement saying: "Apple is by far one of the most innovative and successful companies in the world. Its decision to bring this new facility to Mesa is a huge win for Arizona and a high testament to our business-friendly climate and talented workforce."

The building will cover more than 1.3 million-square-feet and was once a solar-panel factory.

Apple also will invest in local solar projects, which will produce enough energy to power more than 14,500 Arizona homes, according to a statement from Arizona officials.

Greenpeace senior IT sector analyst Gary Cook said: “Apple remains the most aggressive among major IT companies in delivering on its commitments to be 100 percent renewable, and has shown the business community that solar is ready, here and now, to power our economy.”