THEAFRICABAZAAR

September 14, 2016

 

General Motors said by 2050 all electrical power for its businesses in 59 countries will come from 100 percent renewable energy.

PHOTO CREDIT: General Motors

PHOTO CREDIT: General Motors

The American automobile maker made the announcement Wednesday.

The new renewable energy goal, which will be sourced or produce from wind, sun and landfill gas, is part of the company’s overall strategy to strengthening its business through efficient manufacturing, while improving communities and addressing climate change.

GM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra said establishing a 100 percent renewable energy goal helps the company better serve society by reducing environmental impact.

“This pursuit of renewable energy benefits our customers and communities through cleaner air while strengthening our business through lower and more stable energy costs,” said Ms. Barra.

PHOTO CREDIT: General Motors. GM plans to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.

PHOTO CREDIT: General Motors. GM plans to achieve 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.

The latest goal builds on the company’s prior commitment to promote the use of 125 megawatts of renewable energy by 2020, which it expects to exceed when two new wind projects come online later this year to help power four manufacturing operations, the company said.

Earlier this year at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ms. Barra, along with 13 other automotive maker executives pledged to a vision of a decarbonized automotive industry, which will provide safe and affordable automotive transportation for the public.

To achieve its clean energy goals, GM plans to continue to upgrade the energy efficiency of its manufacturing operations while transitioning to clean sources for its power needs.

The company, which currently saves $5 million yearly from using renewable energy, said it expects a increase in its bottom line as a result of increase in supply of cleaner energy increases and costs to produce and install renewable energy continues to decrease.

Amy Davidsen, North America executive director at The Climate Group said GM’s “bold and ambitious commitment will undoubtedly catch the attention of the global automotive industry” to encourage other manufacturers to make a switch to renewable energy.

GM, a member of UN Global Compact and a global collaborative initiative of business alliance called RE100, a group committed to 100 percent renewable electricity working to increase demand for clean power.

 

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