GM Reaches Renewable Energy Milestone Across US Operations

General Motors (GM) has reached a pivotal energy milestone, securing sufficient renewable energy to match all electricity consumed across its US facilities – a first for any US automaker.

The announcement was made by Chief Sustainability Officer Cassandra Garber during a fireside discussion with Sustainability Magazine Editor-in-Chief Steven Downes at Sustainability LIVE: The US Summit in Chicago.

Speaking on stage, Cassandra confirmed that GM has “secured enough renewable energy to match 100% of its electricity use across all its US facilities”.

This achievement signals a major step in aligning the company’s energy strategy with its wider ambition to transition to a fully electric vehicle portfolio.

Energy strategy moves to the forefront

Detailing the milestone on the GM website, Cassandra emphasised the growing importance of energy management within corporate strategy.

"Managing energy use isn't just a checkbox for a corporate environmental report these days; it’s a business necessity.

"In 2025, GM reached a major milestone: The company has secured enough renewable energy to match 100% of its electricity use across all its US facilities – making GM the first US automaker to reach this goal."

Recent figures underline how central energy sourcing has become to GM’s operations:

• Globally, GM matched 70% of its electricity usage with renewables – nearly double its 2023 level – thanks to new projects in Mexico and Brazil

• GM has reduced operational emissions (scopes 1 and 2) by 52% since 2018

• The company's domestic renewable energy investments have generated about US$1.9bn in GDP impact since 2015. Projects contracted through 2026 will add US$333m more.

Cassandra added: "Projects GM has invested in also support an average of 1,500 construction jobs per year across states like Michigan, Texas, Ohio, Arkansas and Illinois – and fund rural schools and emergency services through local taxes."

Matching supply with demand on the grid

Central to GM’s approach is the concept of energy “matching”, ensuring that renewable generation offsets consumption on a one-to-one basis.

Cassandra explained the principle: "If you deposit US$20 into your bank account, you won’t receive that same physical bill when you withdraw the funds later. As long as you deposit as much money as you withdraw, your account is balanced.

"GM contracts for enough clean energy – from projects like Newport Solar and Hilltopper Wind Farm – to equal every kilowatt-hour it pulls from the grid. As GM ensures a 1:1 match for all electricity used by its US operations, the company prioritises projects on the same regional grid as its facilities."

In 2025, GM’s renewable energy mix was sourced through a combination of mechanisms:

• Clean energy utility programmes – 40%

• Virtual power purchase agreements – 37%

• Unbundled renewable energy credits – 14%

• Default delivered renewable energy – 8%

• Onsite generation and landfill gas – 1%.

Clean energy as a competitive advantage

Beyond environmental gains, GM views its renewable energy transition as a strategic advantage within a volatile global energy landscape.

Cassandra outlined several key benefits:

• Price stability: Long-term renewable contracts insulate GM from energy market volatility

• Grid resilience: Increased clean energy capacity strengthens reliability across the system

• Energy independence: Lower reliance on imported energy supports domestic economies.

She also highlighted the wider influence GM aims to exert across its supply chain: "GM is also sending a clear signal to suppliers and partners: join this decarbonisation journey by enrolling in programmes like Transform: Auto, which drives renewable energy adoption through the automotive value chain."

Looking ahead, Cassandra reinforced the link between energy systems and electrification.

"The zero-emissions journey starts before an EV customer ever hits the accelerator," she said.

"Achieving GM's renewable goal in the US and making continued progress internationally proves that decarbonising its footprint and driving economic growth aren't in conflict.

"GM is building the vehicles – and the energy systems – that will help us all enjoy an all-electric future."