RWE, a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, is embarking on the construction of a new photovoltaic plant in the municipality of Bedburg, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The upcoming facility boasts a capacity of 20 megawatts peak (15.7 MWac) and is set to be a significant addition to RWE’s solar portfolio. With over 36,600 solar modules planned, the plant is projected to generate ample green electricity, catering to the needs of approximately 5,400 households.
Katja Wünschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s contribution to the record expansion of renewables in Germany. Wünschel highlighted RWE’s commitment to driving the energy transition, particularly in the Rhenish lignite area, where the Bedburg project marks the seventh solar initiative. Notably, many of these projects are complemented by storage facilities, further enhancing their contribution to sustainable energy solutions. Wünschel emphasized RWE’s substantial investment of approximately 11 billion euros net in green generation capacity in Germany by 2030.
Accelerating Renewable Energy Expansion in the Rhenish Mining Region
The new solar farm is situated on recultivated land at the Garzweiler opencast mine, located within close proximity to the A44 motorway. Construction of the photovoltaic plant is already underway, with completion expected by late summer. In a demonstration of RWE’s commitment to innovation, the company has established its first agrivoltaics demonstration plant on the opposite side of the motorway. Additionally, RWE operates three large photovoltaic storage power plants in the Rhenish mining area and is pursuing two more solar projects with a combined capacity exceeding 51 MWp in the Hambach opencast mine, one of which incorporates battery storage. The company has further plans for photovoltaic projects in the region, underscoring its dedication to expanding renewable energy sources.
Green Growth at Home
With over two decades of experience in renewable energy development, construction, and operation, RWE is a key player in Germany’s renewable energy landscape. In its domestic market, the company operates onshore wind farms and solar power plants with a total installed capacity of approximately 700 megawatts. RWE’s proactive approach involves identifying suitable sites across Germany for wind or solar power installations, with a commitment to managing the entire process from planning and construction to ongoing operation.