General Motors Secures 15-Year Solar Energy Agreement with NorthStar Clean Energy
Three GM Assembly Plants to be Powered by NorthStar's Newport Solar Project
Table of Contents
- Overview of the NorthStar Clean Energy Partnership
- Details of the Newport Solar Project
- Broader Implications for the Automotive Industry
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General Motors (GM) has entered into a 15-year renewable energy purchase agreement with NorthStar Clean Energy. This partnership marks GM’s largest power purchase deal to date, signaling a significant step towards its ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040.
The solar energy will be sourced from NorthStar's Newport Solar project in Arkansas, a facility that will supply renewable electricity for General Motors’ operations within the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) region.
This energy will directly support GM's Lansing Delta Township and Lansing Grand River Assembly plants in Michigan, as well as the Wentzville Assembly plant in Missouri. By adding this renewable energy to the grid, GM is not just reducing its carbon footprint but also setting a strong example for other companies in the industry.
Northstar’s Newport Solar Project
- Capacity: 180 megawatts (MW)
- Annual Energy Generation: est. 410,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) - enough to power 30,000+ Arkansas homes per year
- Size: 2,000 acres, 500,000 solar panels
According to GM's Director of Global Energy Strategy, Rob Threlkeld, this partnership is more than just a business deal—it's a commitment to a sustainable future. “Expanding our renewable electricity portfolio is a major step forward,” Threlkeld shared. “This facility supports our renewable electricity strategy and demonstrates our dedication to a sustainable future for all.”
As GM continues to accelerate its sustainability goals, this deal with NorthStar Clean Energy highlights the commitment to leading the way in renewable energy adoption within the automotive industry. The partnership not only enhances GM’s renewable energy portfolio but also highlights the broader impact such initiatives can have on communities and the environment.
