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RWE, recognized as the third largest renewable energy company in the United States, is strengthening its presence in Ohio with the construction of its second solar farm in the state. The company has begun onsite construction of the Union Ridge Solar project, a 98-megawatt (MWac) utility-scale solar farm located in Licking County. RWE acquired the project from Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) in the fall of 2024 as part of its strategic expansion in the U.S. renewable energy market. The Union Ridge project is expected to generate approximately $68 million in new local economic activity during its construction phase. This includes the direct employment of around 280 workers at peak construction, along with associated wages, benefits, and increased demand for local goods, services, and tax revenue through local sales tax contributions. The investment further illustrates RWE’s commitment to delivering both clean energy and meaningful economic benefits to the communities in which it operates. RWE is partnering with MasTec Renewables to lead the construction of the solar farm. Together, they are collaborating with local chapters of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to ensure the project is built by skilled union labor. This approach supports workforce development in Ohio and leverages the state’s strong tradition of craft union labor in energy infrastructure projects. Kevin Kroll, Chief Operating Officer, RWE Clean Energy, stated, “Our Union Ridge project is an example of how we partner with leading American companies to bring job growth and critical economic activity to communities across America with our homegrown energy. Through our partnership with MasTec, we are helping to create new employment opportunities for Licking County residents and support Ohio’s current and future skilled labor workforce.” Mike Flynn, Senior Vice President – Operations, MasTec Renewables, also added, “Our partnership with RWE on the Union Ridge Solar project showcases MasTec’s dedication to sparking local economic growth and strengthening workforce development. By harnessing Ohio’s talented labor pool, we’re doing more than constructing a solar farm; we’re investing in the community’s future. This collaboration will generate hundreds of jobs for Licking County residents, spanning roles from skilled laborers to utility electricians and solar panel assemblers. We’re proud to work alongside RWE in driving the clean energy transition while simultaneously bolstering local economies and providing valuable career opportunities for Ohioans.” John Wieland, Chief Development Officer, LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy), said, “LRE is proud to have fostered partnerships with C-TEC and local IBEW groups to collaboratively develop and establish the skilled training course in Licking County, through developing curriculum materials, donating First Solar modules, and other sponsorship contributions. We look forward to this Union Ridge Solar program paving the way for future generations all across Ohio to find good-paying careers in renewable energy.” Currently, RWE owns and operates about 400 MW of wind and solar energy capacity across Ohio. Once Union Ridge becomes operational, RWE’s total capacity in the state will increase to nearly 500 MW. This is enough to power more than 118,000 average households annually, contributing significantly to Ohio’s transition to renewable energy and reinforcing RWE’s role as a key player in the state’s clean energy future. |
