WestRock, an US paper and packaging firm, revealed the successful commencement of operations at the 230-megawatt (MW) Bernard Creek solar farm in Texas. Developed by Engie North America and contracted by WestRock, the solar farm marks a significant milestone in the company's renewable energy endeavors.
Situated in Wharton County, southwest of Houston, the Bernard Creek solar farm is projected to generate approximately 500,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean electricity annually. This substantial output is expected to contribute significantly to the local economy, generating over USD 45 million (EUR 41.3m) in revenue for Wharton County. WestRock has secured contracts for 207 MW of the total capacity of the solar farm.
In November 2023, WestRock inked two virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) with Engie North America subsidiary for a combined procurement of 282 MW of solar energy from new projects in Texas. Apart from the Bernard Creek solar farm, the agreement also includes the 350-MW Chillingham Solar site.
These VPPAs align with WestRock's sustainability strategy, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 27.5% by 2030. David Sewell, CEO of WestRock, expressed the company's commitment to environmental stewardship, stating, “We are pleased to play a role in the production of clean energy from large-scale solar projects and to join forces with ENGIE and Schneider Electric to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by adding more renewable energy to the grid.”
