General Motors named two Michigan solar projects, in Branch and St. Clair counties, as its largest clean-energy project to date. NorthStar Clean Energy developed both, with GM as primary customer.
General Motors on Nov. 12 announced what it calls its largest clean-energy project to date: two Michigan solar projects, a utility-scale facility in Branch County and the Lake Iris project in St. Clair County. NorthStar Clean Energy developed both, and GM is the primary customer through a virtual power purchase agreement.
GM plans to apply the renewable energy credits generated by the projects toward the emissions associated with electricity purchased for its manufacturing operations, Chief Sustainability Officer Cassandra Garber said in the announcement. She described the projects as part of the energy foundation behind the vehicles, batteries and technologies GM builds in Michigan.
Garber said GM’s renewable energy investments help support the electricity demands of its operations and bring greater predictability to a significant operating expense, which she said is more important than ever “as AI, electrification, and manufacturing change how businesses think about power.”
Securing long-term renewable energy also helps improve price predictability and reduce exposure to fuel-market volatility, she said in the announcement.
The projects build on a milestone GM reported earlier in 2026. In 2025, the company secured enough renewable energy to match 100% of the electricity use across its U.S. facilities, which GM said made it the first U.S. automaker to reach that goal. GM said it has reduced its operational emissions, known as Scope 1 and 2, by 52% since 2018.
Together, the two projects created more than 550 full-time local construction jobs during their development, according to GM. GM said the Branch project helped Bethel Township receive a $1 million Renewables Ready Communities Award, which supports local priorities including a township hall expansion and road improvements.
Lake Iris plans to incorporate a pollinator habitat across the solar facility grounds. GM said it is supporting the habitat effort, which it said creates an opportunity to partner with researchers studying pollinator habitat.
Across the U.S., GM said its renewable projects have generated nearly $2 billion in economic impact and support about 1,500 construction jobs each year.
Related coverage: GM Plans Hybrid Production at Lansing Delta Township Plant; GM Details Fourth-Gen EV Platform Built Around LMR Battery Cells.
Source: General Motors announcement, Nov. 12, 2026. Image: General Motors.
How this story was produced: drafted with AI assistance from company announcements and public sources, then reviewed, edited and approved by Brian Hagman. Our editorial standards →
Brian is the founder of Hagman Media, publisher of The BRAKE Report, The EV Report and Self Drive News. He has covered the brake and automotive supply industry since 2012, is the author of The Brake Industry Handbook, and serves on the SAE Brake Colloquium advisory board.
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