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General Motors(NYSE: GM) said today that it continues its manufacturing energy transition with the goal of a zero-emissions future. GM will build a utility-scale solar generation facility in Branch County, Michigan, and an accompanying Lake Iris solar project in St. Clair County. Both were developed by NorthStar Clean Energy with GM as the primary customer through a so-called virtual power purchase agreement.*
“GM plans to apply the renewable energy credits generated by these projects toward the emissions associated with electricity purchased for our manufacturing operations. GM has reduced operational emissions [known in greenhouse gas accounting as scopes 1 and 2 – AutoCrat] by 52% since 2018,” GM said in a release by Cassandra Garber, Chief Sustainability Officer.
GM Investing in Michigan Communities
“The value of Branch and Lake Iris extends beyond the electricity they will produce. The two projects together created more than 550 full-time local construction jobs during their development. Our renewable projects have generated nearly $2 billion in economic impact and support about 1500 construction jobs each year in communities across the U.S. where we live and work.
“Branch helped Bethel Township receive a $1 million Renewables Ready Communities Award, supporting local priorities including township hall expansion and road improvements.
“Lake Iris plans to incorporate a pollinator habitat across the solar facility grounds. Native plantings can help reduce long-term maintenance needs while supporting solar-panel efficiency and local biodiversity. GM is supporting the habitat effort, which creates an opportunity to partner with researchers to study pollinator habitat and regional value creation.”
“For GM, this is a practical investment in the energy foundation behind our operations. When we invest in the right solutions, building a more sustainable business and driving economic growth reinforce each other: We manage energy costs, strengthen the operations behind our vehicles, and create opportunities in the communities where we work. The projects add renewable generation to Michigan’s grid while supporting GM’s renewable-energy goals.” said Garber.
“The bottom line: Sustainable business is smart business. These solar projects will help GM build a more resilient company while supporting Michigan jobs, local priorities, and the energy infrastructure we all depend on,” said Garber.
*AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
GM Announces Two Michigan Solar Generation Facilities
Click for more.
General Motors(NYSE: GM) said today that it continues its manufacturing energy transition with the goal of a zero-emissions future. GM will build a utility-scale solar generation facility in Branch County, Michigan, and an accompanying Lake Iris solar project in St. Clair County. Both were developed by NorthStar Clean Energy with GM as the primary customer through a so-called virtual power purchase agreement.*
“GM plans to apply the renewable energy credits generated by these projects toward the emissions associated with electricity purchased for our manufacturing operations. GM has reduced operational emissions [known in greenhouse gas accounting as scopes 1 and 2 – AutoCrat] by 52% since 2018,” GM said in a release by Cassandra Garber, Chief Sustainability Officer.
GM Investing in Michigan Communities
“The value of Branch and Lake Iris extends beyond the electricity they will produce. The two projects together created more than 550 full-time local construction jobs during their development. Our renewable projects have generated nearly $2 billion in economic impact and support about 1500 construction jobs each year in communities across the U.S. where we live and work.
“Branch helped Bethel Township receive a $1 million Renewables Ready Communities Award, supporting local priorities including township hall expansion and road improvements.
“Lake Iris plans to incorporate a pollinator habitat across the solar facility grounds. Native plantings can help reduce long-term maintenance needs while supporting solar-panel efficiency and local biodiversity. GM is supporting the habitat effort, which creates an opportunity to partner with researchers to study pollinator habitat and regional value creation.”
“For GM, this is a practical investment in the energy foundation behind our operations. When we invest in the right solutions, building a more sustainable business and driving economic growth reinforce each other: We manage energy costs, strengthen the operations behind our vehicles, and create opportunities in the communities where we work. The projects add renewable generation to Michigan’s grid while supporting GM’s renewable-energy goals.” said Garber.
“The bottom line: Sustainable business is smart business. These solar projects will help GM build a more resilient company while supporting Michigan jobs, local priorities, and the energy infrastructure we all depend on,” said Garber.
*AutoInformed on
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.