WestRock Co, a paper and packaging solutions specialist, has inked two virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) with Engie North America, a subsidiary of French utility group Engie SA (EPA:ENGI), to secure 282 MW of solar energy from new projects in Texas.
The contracts, announced on Tuesday, outline WestRock’s commitment to off-take 207 MW from the Bernard Creek Solar project, located in Wharton County. Engie North America is slated to complete this 230-MW project in the first half of 2024. Additionally, the packaging company has secured 75 MW, equivalent to around 200 GWh per year, from Engie’s Chillingham Solar project in Bell County.
WestRock emphasized the significance of enhancing renewable energy contributions to the US power grid while underscoring its own commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These VPPAs align with WestRock’s goal to achieve science-based targets, aiming to reduce scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 27.5% by 2030.
The agreements mark a strategic move for WestRock to integrate more sustainable practices into its operations, leveraging the clean energy generated by the Texas solar projects to advance its environmental goals and contribute to the broader renewable energy landscape.
