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RWE is accelerating its solar energy expansion with the construction of new solar parks totaling 86.5 megawatts peak (74.6 MWac) along the A44n motorway in the Rhenish region. The installations, which include about 141,000 solar modules, are expected to begin generating electricity by the end of this year. Once operational, they will provide enough climate-friendly power for approximately 27,700 German households. The project sites are located on recultivated land at the Garzweiler opencast lignite mine, stretching between the towns of Bedburg and Jüchen. The area already hosts a previously installed RWE solar system and an agrivoltaics demonstration plant that combines solar generation with agriculture. Katja Wünschel, CEO RWE Renewables Europe & Australia said, “We are making every effort to drive forward the expansion of our solar portfolio, and are making increasing use of locations alongside motorways. These projects not only benefit from faster approval processes but in most cases also enjoy a much higher level of public acceptance. Our new solar plants along the A44n could thus serve as a role model for further projects in the region and beyond.” Dr Lars Kulik, CTO Lignite at RWE Power added, “The solar projects along the A44n emphasise that structural change and the expansion of renewables in the Rhenish mining area are moving forward at a strong pace. There is plenty of space in and around our opencast mines that we are also using for solar projects. The new plants are taking shape on recultivated land, and they are connected via the grid infrastructure at Garzweiler opencast mine. The employees of RWE Power also contribute their knowledge and experience to support the construction and subsequent operation of the solar plants. That means we are creating further prospects for our co-workers here in the region.” RWE currently operates seven solar farms in the region, four of which include integrated battery storage systems. In a separate project nearby, RWE began building another photovoltaic plant in April at the Hambach opencast mine. Located near Niederzier, the system will feature more than 22,000 solar panels—enough to power about 4,500 homes. Additional solar projects in the area are already in planning. The ongoing developments reflect RWE’s strategy to repurpose former mining land for clean energy generation, supporting Germany’s transition to renewables. |
