2018-12-20

Earlier this year, we entered into a power purchase agreement with ENEL Green Power to source 100 MW of renewable electricity from the new 185 MW HillTopper wind farm, ENEL’s first project in Illinois. Energy generated from this wind farm will power our Indiana and Ohio manufacturing facilities with 100 percent renewable electricity. By the end of this year, renewable energy will power 20 percent of GM’s global electricity use, making us well on our way to sourcing 100 percent renewable energy for our global facilities by 2050.

As a company working toward creating a more sustainable future and reducing our footprint, we see alternative sources of energy as a crucial component in our efforts toward a zero-emission future. In fact, we have used renewable energy for decades, saving millions of dollars annually as a result. Our efforts to source renewable energy are also demonstrate GM’s broader focus to invest in communities where we live and work.

“Renewable energy remains an important part of GM’s vision for a zero emissions future,” said Rob Threlkeld, global manager of renewable energy for General Motors. “The ENEL HillTopper Wind partnership helps us achieve our goal to power all our manufacturing facilities in Ohio and Indiana with 100 percent clean wind energy, and further demonstrates how good business practices can help protect the environment as well as benefit the local community.”

We’ve made positive strides toward our renewable energy goals this year. A few milestones from 2018 include:

Being one of the first companies in Michigan to participate in a new Consumers Energy Program. The green tariffs pilot program will allow us to match 100 percent of the electricity used at our Flint Metal Center and Engine Operations with wind energy generated from Cross Winds Energy Park II in Michigan.

Working with local utilities and industry leaders to run our manufacturing plants with 100 percent renewable energy. For example, following the opening of the Cactus Flats wind farm, our Arlington Assembly will now run on 100 percent clean wind energy. The 148-megawatt facility based in Concho County operates in partnership with Southern Power and General Mills.

Collaborating with lawmakers, county officials and local landowners to unveil the Northwest Ohio Wind Farm, 100-megawatt wind project under construction in Paulding County, Ohio owned by Starwood Energy Group. The power purchased from the wind farm will help offset the power used at our Ohio and Indiana manufacturing facilities with clean, renewable energy.

Our goal is to deliver safer, better and more sustainable solutions for customers. As part of renewable energy community, we see renewable energy as good for the environment and community, and ultimately a way to move us closer to our zero emissions vision.

Check out the ENEL HillTopper wind farm start of operations announcement for more information. To read more about our renewable energy commitments and progress, download our renewable energy blueprint and visit our latest sustainability report."

Source: General Motors