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RWE, a prominent energy company, has recently started the construction of a solar and storage project within the Hambach opencast lignite mine site in Germany. The project is a collaborative effort between RWE and Neuland Hambach, aiming to operate solar facilities within the mine site. The RWE Neuland Solar Park, anticipated to be completed by the end of 2023, will possess an 8.4MW capacity. Additionally, an energy storage system is being designed to store over 8 megawatt hours of energy, capable of managing a two-hour power consumption and output. This storage system is intended to serve as a buffer between power generation and the grid.
The new solar and storage plant will be located in close proximity to the RWE Neuland 1 Solar Park, which is set to have a capacity of 17.6MW. The construction timeline depends on the prompt granting of building permits, with the possibility of construction initiation later this year.
Katja Wünschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, emphasized the company’s commitment to accelerating renewable energy projects, particularly within their home state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Wünschel highlighted RWE’s aspiration to realize renewable energy initiatives with a cumulative capacity of 1000MW throughout Germany by 2030, of which a minimum of 500MW will be situated in the Rhenish mining area. This solar and storage project is the latest addition to RWE’s efforts to transition towards cleaner and sustainable energy solutions in line with Germany’s renewable energy goals.