PONTIAC, Mich. — Oakland County is progressing toward its goal of reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2035 and reaching net zero by 2050. The Hart Solar Project — which held its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday — will provide renewable electricity for 46 county government buildings, plus multiple locations for the Water Resources Commissioner and the Parks and Recreation Department.

The Facilities Management Department estimates that using renewable energy may save more than $300,000 a year — or about $3.7 million over the life of the 10-year contract, as compared to current utility rates. This estimate may change due to volatility in energy markets.

“It is imperative that we have a sustainable future for all our residents and that we leave our children a better world, without the extremes of climate change,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter, who established the county’s net-zero emissions goal in his administration’s strategic goals. “We are doing our part by purchasing electricity from a facility that provides utility-scale energy output without utility-scale emissions.”

An Oakland County delegation that included Board of Commissioners Chairman David T. Woodward of Royal Oak, Commissioner Gwen Markham of Novi and Chief Sustainability Officer Julie Lyons Bricker attended the grand opening of the Hart Solar Project.

“Today we celebrate Oakland County becoming the first in Michigan to power operations by the power of the sun,” said Woodward. “Utilizing the strength of renewable solar energy, we move closer to achieving our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2035.”

The solar project is a 120-megawatt renewable energy facility in Oceana County. Ann Arbor-based NorthStar Clean Energy — which operates it — says the project is expected to produce 200 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to power more than 21,000 homes and avoid about 96,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year.

“Oakland County and small businesses across Michigan are expected to save on electric supply charges through the Hart Solar Project,” Robert Bernardi of Executive Energy Services, an independent energy procurement service in Frankenmuth, said in a press release. “Through a partnership with NorthStar Clean Energy, Oakland Schools and 45 other public school districts statewide are projected to save $25 million over a 10-year agreement. These savings will allow schools to redirect funds toward students, staff and core educational priorities while advancing their clean energy goals.”