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GM says all its electric use will be from renewables by 2050

Wind turbine
Tim Wang
/
flickr http://j.mp/1SPGCl0
DTE expects to build around 50 wind turines in Sanilac and Huron counties. The company is reviewing bids from turbine makers now.

General Motors has committed to using electricity solely from wind, solar or biogas for all of its 350 operations in 59 countries around the world -- within the next 34 years.

CEO Mary Barra says it "helps us better serve society by reducing environmental impact." 

The automaker says it used about 9 terawatt hours of electricity in 2015 to build its vehicles and power its offices, technical centers and warehouses globally.  A terawatt equals a trillion watts.

Currently, GM is using only a tiny fraction -- 125 megawatts by the end of this year -- to power some of its operations. So realizing the goal will be a huge leap.

The company says it anticipates costs to install and produce renewable energy will continue to decrease. 

Michigan utilities currently provide 10% of the state's electric needs with renewables, primarily wind. 

Tracy Samilton covers energy and transportation, including the auto industry and the business response to climate change for Michigan Public. She began her career at Michigan Public as an intern, where she was promptly “bitten by the radio bug,” and never recovered.