General Motors Partners With NorthStar for Michigan Solar Power

General Motors partnered with NorthStar Clean Energy to power its Michigan manufacturing operations using two new utility-scale solar facilities. The projects, located in Branch and St. Clair counties, include a solar generation facility and the Lake Iris solar project.

GM secured the energy through a virtual power purchase agreement designed to stabilize operating expenses and support long-term business requirements. The initiatives created more than 550 full-time local construction jobs and enabled Bethel Township in Branch County to secure a $1 million Renewables Ready Communities Award for infrastructure improvements.

As part of the environmental effort, the Lake Iris facility will establish a native pollinator habitat to support biodiversity. GM intends to apply renewable energy credits from these projects toward its manufacturing emissions, following a 52% reduction in operational emissions since 2018.