WestRock, a sustainable paper and packaging solutions company, recently entered into a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with ENGIE North America (ENGIE), a low-carbon energy and services company, for 207 megawatts from the Bernard Creek Solar southwest of Houston.
The Bernard Creek solar project is expected to produce approximately 500,000 megawatt hours annually.
The purchase will help WestRock achieve its goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions 27.5 percent by 2030.
“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,” David B. Sewell, WestRock president and CEO, said.
Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Business provided WestRock with advisory services and strategy management.
“We are delighted that Bernard Creek Solar is supporting WestRock’s ambitions to meet its 2030 science-based targets,” Dave Carroll, ENGIE North America chief renewables officer, said. “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.”
For 2022-2023, ENGIE surpassed more than 1 gigawatt of signed power purchase agreements in the United States.