Samsung to go 100% clean by 2020 as it changes energy sources to renewables
Bukola Odufade is Businessamlive Reporter.
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Samsung Electronics said on Thursday that its energy sources would be 100 percent clean by 2020 as it plans on fulfilling its energy needs from renewable sources.
According to a statement released by the tech giant, its factories, office buildings and operational facilities in Europe, China and U.S. would be powered by renewable energy come 2020.
The corporation said it is set to install around 42,000 meters squared of solar panels at its headquarters in Suwon, South Korea, and will also add solar arrays and geothermal power generation facilities at its campuses in Pyeongtaek and Hwaseong.
Apart from installations, it said it would be working with its top 100 partner companies to assist them in setting their own renewable energy targets.
“Samsung Electronics is fulfilling its duty as a corporate citizen by expanding and supporting the use of renewable energy,” Won Kyong Kim, Samsung Electronics’ executive vice president and head of global public affairs, said.
“As demonstrated by our expanded commitment, we are focused on protecting our planet and are doing our part as a global environmental steward.”
Samsung Electronics’ move was also welcomed by environmental organizations. “Samsung’s announcement is a major step forward for the movement to build a renewably powered future,” Jennifer Morgan, Greenpeace International’s executive director, said in a statement.
Samsung has joined the league of large tech companies looking to embrace renewable energy. Earlier this year, Apple said its global facilities were now powered by 100 percent clean energy in what CEO Tim Cook called a significant milestone for the tech giant.
Last October, Amazon announced that its biggest wind farm to date was operational. The business said that Amazon Wind Farm Texas would add over 1 million megawatt hours of clean energy to the grid annually.
“If the company follows through with meaningful actions, it will join the ranks of innovative business leaders recognizing the sense of urgency around climate change and showing a different future is still possible,” Morgan added.