West Fraser 

Influent Energy recently completed construction of a 16-acre, 5.1-megawatt solar farm for West Fraser at the company’s New Boston, Texas sawmill — the first on-site system of its kind across West Fraser’s operations. The array now supplies about one-third of the mill’s electricity needs, reducing reliance on grid power and enhancing energy resilience. A ribbon-cutting in October 2024 marked the milestone, underscoring West Fraser’s commitment to clean energy and innovation in its operations.

The $8.1 million investment is projected to deliver strong returns both environmentally and economically. In its first year alone, the solar farm will avoid an estimated 4,554 tonnes of CO₂e emissions, equivalent to the energy use of nearly 1,000 U.S. homes. Over the life of the system, West Fraser expects more than $15 million in utility savings, while also generating over $1 million in local tax revenue and contributing to the regional economy through contractor and supplier partnerships.

This project represents an important step toward West Fraser’s target of cutting energy-related emissions nearly in half by 2030. In addition to advancing its decarbonization goals, the solar farm reflects the company’s values of safety and community impact: construction was completed without a single workforce or contractor injury. Together, these outcomes position the project as a model of how sustainable energy solutions can strengthen both business performance and environmental stewardship.