RWE has kicked off construction for a new solar plant at the Hambach opencast mine in Germany, marking a significant step in the energy giant’s pivot towards renewables. The photovoltaic plant, nestled in the district of Düren near the municipality of Niederzier in North Rhine-Westphalia, is set to bolster the region’s green energy portfolio.
This latest project, slated for completion in September, will install 22,000 solar modules across 12 hectares at the western edge of the Hambach mine, above the future shore of the planned Hambach Lake. With a capacity of 13.9MWp, it will generate enough electricity to power approximately 4,500 homes. This addition will bring the total capacity of RWE’s solar plants at the mine to over 60MW, a substantial contribution to Germany’s renewable energy targets.
Mayor of Niederzier, Frank Rombey, underscored the importance of this development for the region’s future. “For the municipality of Niederzier, the expansion of renewables is one of the pillars of structural change,” he stated. Rombey emphasized the need to invest in the region’s economic development as it transitions away from mining. “It is important to invest in the economic development of the region right at our doorstep for the post-mining era,” he added.
Katja Wünschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the progress of renewable energy expansion in the Rhenish mining area. “The start of construction for our new solar plant near Niederzier shows that the expansion of renewables in the Rhenish mining area is making good progress,” she said. Wünschel also stressed the importance of community involvement, noting that RWE aims to engage local municipalities in the project.
The new plant will join two existing photovoltaic facilities at the Hambach mine, one of which includes integrated battery storage. Together, these plants have a capacity of 47.2MWp, supplying around 14,500 households with green electricity. RWE operates these plants in partnership with Neuland Hambach, a consortium representing six municipalities adjacent to the mine.
Chair of the supervisory board of Neuland Hambach and Mayor of Elsdorf, Andreas Heller, expressed enthusiasm for the new project. “Another 14MW will be added to 47.2MW of solar capacity that we are already operating in the RWE Neuland Solar Farm at the Hambach opencast mine,” he said. Heller revealed plans for the municipalities to take a stake in the new plant, aligning with their goal to create a self-sustaining space that includes revenues from renewable energy projects.
This development is more than just a new solar plant; it’s a testament to the evolving energy landscape in Germany and beyond. As traditional energy sources like coal face increasing scrutiny, projects like RWE’s solar plant at Hambach demonstrate a viable path forward. The integration of renewable energy projects into former mining sites not only repurposes land but also fosters economic growth and community engagement. This trend could inspire similar initiatives worldwide, accelerating the transition to a more sustainable energy future. The involvement of local municipalities ensures that the benefits of these projects are felt at the grassroots level, fostering a sense of ownership and pride. As RWE continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio, it sets a precedent for other energy companies to follow, challenging the status quo and driving innovation in the sector. The Hambach solar plant is not just a power generator; it’s a symbol of progress, a beacon of hope for a greener future.
