WestRock supports solar energy in Texas

Atlanta-based recycled-content paperboard producer WestRock has signed two agreements with alternative energy provider Engie to use solar power from two of Engie’s solar array projects in Texas.

The agreements, according to WestRock, will support Engie’s Bernard Creek solar project in Wharton County, Texas, and Chillingham Solar in Bell County, Texas. Via the agreements, WestRock will acquire an aggregate of 282 megawatts (MW) of solar power.

The two virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) are with Engie North America, a subsidiary of France-based Engie S.A. The VPPAs are designed to add renewable energy to the U.S. energy grid and mark a step forward in what WestRock's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Schneider Electric provided advisory services and strategy management for the WestRock and Engie agreements.

WestRock, which is in the process of being acquired by Europe-based Smurfit Kappa Group, says the new projects comprise one element of its strategy to pursue a science-based target (SBT) to reduce Scopes 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 27.5 percent by 2030.

“We are pleased to play a role in the development of clean energy from large scale solar projects and to join forces with ENGIE and Schneider Electric to add more renewable energy to the grid,” says David B. Sewell, CEO of WestRock.

WestRock will contract 207 MW from Bernard Creek, a 230 MW solar project located southwest of Houston that is expected to have an annual output of approximately 500,000 megawatt hours (MWh). The project, slated for completion in the first half of 2024, is expected to generate more than $45 million in revenue for Wharton County over its lifespan and to create more than 250 jobs during construction.

Additionally, WestRock will contract 75 MW from Engie’s 350 MW Chillingham Solar project. Chillingham will help support two local school districts with an estimated $70 million in revenue generated over the life of the project, of which $53 million will be paid directly to the school districts. WestRock says its share of purchased Chillingham power is expected to be approximately 200,000 MWh per year.

“We are delighted that Bernard Creek and Chillingham Solar will support WestRock’s ambitions to meet their 2030 science-based targets,” says Dave Carroll, an executive with Engie North America. “Engie’s projects are focused on meeting the specific needs of our clients as we work together to accelerate the energy transition in North America and this agreement reflects that.”

John Powers, a vice president with Schneider Electric, says, “Through projects such as Bernard Creek and Chillingham Solar, innovative companies like Engie and WestRock are promoting clean energy to the grid while contributing to local communities through economic development, new job opportunities and a commitment to sustainable solutions.”