Solutions
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Newport Solar
Newport, Arkansas
Performance
500,000+ panels across 2,000 acres
Capacity
410,000 megawatt-hours of renewable energy annually
Planet
286,000 metric tons reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually
Overview
Newport Solar is a 180-megawatt (MW) solar project located in Newport, Arkansas. Commercial operation of Newport Solar began in the fall of 2023. General Motors is the off taker of Newport’s energy and renewable energy credits through a virtual power purchase agreement. Newport Solar is designed to source renewable electricity for General Motors’ operations in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator territory, including Lansing Delta Township Assembly and Lansing Grand River Assembly in Michigan, as well as Wentzville Assembly in Missouri, which underscores a shared commitment to providing creative renewable energy solutions and aggressively pursuing a low carbon future.
General Motors is a leading automotive manufacturing company, with headquarters in Detroit, Michigan. In 2020, GM and NorthStar finalized the collaboration of Newport Solar, which is a significant step in growing NorthStar’s Clean Energy fleet, and supports GM in achieving their renewable energy goals. The Newport Solar project naturally fit with NorthStar Clean Energy’s growing renewable energy portfolio and capabilities, including development, execution, asset management, operations, and maintenance.
Solutions
NorthStar Clean Energy acquired this project as Newport, Arkansas was attractive due to its suitable land position, high solar irradiance, and supportive community. The Newport Project properly fits the vision of NorthStar Clean Energy, while satisfying the customer needs of General Motors. The array features over 500,000 First Solar panels across 2,000 acres and will generate about 410,000 MWh/year. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment between NorthStar Clean Energy and General Motors to providing creative renewable energy solutions and aggressively pursuing a low carbon future.
“NorthStar is committed to helping our customers reach their sustainability and business goals and the Newport Solar project demonstrates how our approach enables companies like General Motors to achieve both,” said Brian Hartmann, President of NorthStar Clean Energy. “The collaboration with GM exemplifies our shared obligation to creating a future powered by renewable energy.”
Key Goals & Results
When construction was completed, Newport Solar was the largest solar PV project in Arkansas.
Newport Solar will bring in $133,000 per year to Tuckerman School’s through city taxes and the community fund, which will help to contract teachers, update school safety equipment, and much more.
Delivering cleaner, renewable, low-cost energy for General Motors.
Newport hired 2 full-time employees and 20 various local contractors.
