West Fraser Unveils Solar Farm at New Boston, Texas Sawmill
For West Fraser, sustainability is more than just a commitment, it is a principle upon which our business was founded 70 years ago. The New Boston solar farm boosts productivity and environmental performance, marking another step in building on our proud legacy.
In October 2024, West Fraser proudly celebrated the official ribbon-cutting for a groundbreaking solar farm at our sawmill in New Boston, Texas, the first system of its kind across our operations.
This $8.1 million project marks a significant step toward achieving our goal of reducing overall emissions by approximately 46% by 2030.
Since acquiring the New Boston mill in 2007, we have continuously invested in the mill increasing production by approximately 100% and we are looking for continued growth in the coming years.
Travis Oldershaw, Vice-President, U.S. Wood Procurement
“The $8.1 million solar farm is an important source of green energy to power the increased production, supporting West Fraser’s sustainability commitments and demonstrating the company’s confidence in the strong future of the New Boston mill,” he adds.
A Closer Look at the Solar Farm
Spanning 16 acres behind the mill, the 5.10-megawatt solar farm provides a secure, onsite source of power, meeting approximately one-third of the mill’s needs. In its first year, the project is projected to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 4,554 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent, comparable to the annual emissions of 970 homes.
This project exhibits many sustainability values and there is much to celebrate. In addition to making good business sense, this begins with the team’s solid safety performance, which was completed without a single workforce or contractor injury.
Shenandoah Johns, Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer
“It will assist the mill with low-cost operations as the $8.1 million investment is anticipated to yield $15 million in utility savings for the mill over the course of the project. The regional economy has also benefited from the use of many local and regional contractors in developing the project and it will provide more than $1 million in tax stimulation for the community among other benefits.”
