Generating a brighter future: Newport Solar project supports Michigan and Missouri plants with largest renewable electricity purchase to date

Our sustainability efforts are driven by our innovative spirit and a commitment to action. Recently, we made progress in achieving a significant sustainability goal with a key solar project coming online.

The Newport Solar project in Newport, Arkansas will support the electricity needs for several GM operations, including Lansing Delta Township Assembly and Lansing Grand River Assembly in Michigan, as well as Wentzville Assembly in Missouri by adding renewable energy directly to their source grid.

Marking our largest power purchase agreement to date, the project is expected to produce around 410,000 megawatt-hours of renewable electricity annually - equivalent to powering more than 30,000 homes per year.

“By expanding our renewable electricity portfolio, we are taking a major step forward in reducing our carbon footprint and advancing our broader sustainability goals,” said Rob Threlkeld, GM director of global energy strategy. “This facility not only supports our renewable electricity strategy but also demonstrates our dedication to a sustainable future for all.”

Local sustainability efforts

This renewable energy purchase agreement supports the ongoing sustainability efforts that already take place at these facilities. Across our manufacturing footprint, our teams regularly conduct energy optimization efforts, an effort to identify and streamline energy needs.

• Wentzville Assembly has consistently been recognized for their onsite environmental efforts related to water reclamation and reuse efforts.
• Lansing Delta Township Assembly is an Energy Star Certified building and was the first-ever LEED-Gold Certified Automobile Manufacturing Facility. The plant is home to a 75-acre nature habitat.
• Lansing Grand River Assembly recently received a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, which will be combined with GM’s own investment to prepare the facility for electrification.

General Motors energy strategy aims to ensure that 100% of the electricity needed to power our sites eventually comes from renewable energy. Part of this goal includes reducing Scope 2 emissions, the indirect carbon emissions produced by purchased energy. One way to reduce these emissions is through alternative sources of energy.

Our renewable energy portfolio includes sourcing agreements from 17 renewable energy plants across 11 states, making General Motors the largest purchaser of renewable power in the automotive industry by capacity. We are proud to help lead the way in sustainable practices and to continue driving positive change, throughout the industry and beyond.

More information about General Motors efforts in renewable energy can be found in our annual Sustainability Report.