Rob Threlkeld is global manager of renewable energy for General Motors, leading the company’s commitment to meet the electricity needs of its global operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. Threlkeld manages GM’s growing renewable energy portfolio and develops future projects to support GM’s sustainability strategy. Threlkeld is responsible for negotiating long-term power purchase agreements for GM facilities across the globe, including opportunities associated with battery storage, behind-the-meter applications and EV integration.
As part of GM’s sustainability team, Threlkeld shares best practices for renewable energy procurement with internal and external audiences, offering solutions for large and small businesses alike to benefit from the use of renewables.
Threlkeld is a board member of the American Wind Energy Association and involved in the Solar Energy Industries Association, two energy groups advancing the use of these renewable forms of energy. He also serves on the advisory board of Rocky Mountain Institute’s Business Renewables Center, and supports the World Wildlife Fund and World Resources Institute’s Renewable Energy Buyers’ Principles, organizations designed to help utilities and renewable energy providers meet rising demand. He is a member of the Association of Energy Engineers, the Engineering Society of Detroit, and the Solar Power International Education Council. This year, Energy Manager Today recognized Threlkeld as one of 50 top energy managers for driving GM and the energy management industry forward.
Threlkeld began his career at GM in 2000 as manager of the powerhouse and wastewater treatment plant operations at GM’s Lordstown, Ohio Assembly Complex. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Purdue University. He is a registered Certified Hazardous Material Manager, Certified Energy Manager and Business Energy Professional.