what is it?

In 2020, NorthStar Clean Energy acquired Newport Solar, a 180-megawatt (MW) solar project, which is located in Newport, Arkansas. 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.

impact highlights

performance

With over 500,000 panels across 2,000 acres, this was the largest solar photovoltaic project in Arkansas when installed in 2023. The panels were sourced from First Solar, Inc. and use thin film solar technology.

capacity

The new facility is projected to produce approximately 410,000 megawatt-hours of renewable energy annually, enough to power more than 30,000 Arkansas homes.

planet

Lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by an estimated 286,000 metric tons annually, which is equivalent to saving about 32 million gallons of gasoline per year. This project is a key component in General Motor’s overall strategy to reduce its Scope 2 energy emissions globally, which includes improving energy efficiency, sourcing renewable electricity, using more reliable power, enhancing supply reliability, and making significant global investments in an ever-expanding network of renewable energy collaborators.

opportunity

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.

Solution

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.

key goals and results include

When construction was completed, Newport Solar was the largest solar PV project in Arkansas.

Newport Solar will bring in $140 thousand 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.