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RWE is forging ahead with green electricity production in the Rhenish mining area. At the base of the Sophienhöhe hill in the Hambach opencast mine, the company has fully commissioned another photovoltaic plant with an integrated battery storage system. Positioned on a gravel field near the future Hambach Lake’s shore, this initiative utilizes the area temporarily to generate green energy and promote environmental benefits.
The RWE Neuland Solar Farm boasts a peak capacity of 12 megawatts (8.4 MWac). With 22,000 solar modules, it generates ample green electricity to power over 3,100 households.
Katja Wünschel, CEO RWE Renewables Europe & Australia: “RWE Neuland Solar Farm is already the fourth large solar project we have commissioned in the Rhenish mining area within a very short period of time, again in combination with a battery storage system. We are stepping up the pace, in particular in our home market in Germany. We plan to implement wind and solar projects with a total capacity of at least 1,000 megawatts by 2030 in North Rhine-Westphalia alone.”
Lars Kulik, CTO Lignite at RWE Power: “This solar farm is the visible manifestation of how structural change and energy transition can succeed. Until the lake at Hambach opencast mine is completely filled with water, we have around 40 years to put the area to good temporary use to generate green electricity. In this way, even opencast mines that are still active can already contribute towards the energy transition.”
Bifacial modules, capable of harnessing sunlight from both sides, were installed for enhanced efficiency. In addition to direct sunlight, they utilize ground-reflected light. This design maximizes efficiency. The battery storage system, with a two-hour charging and supply cycle of over eight megawatt hours, acts as a buffer between generation and grid, ensuring smooth operation.
RWE intends to collaborate with Neuland Hambach GmbH to operate the solar projects at the Hambach opencast mine. Neuland Hambach GmbH is spearheading the structural transformation around the opencast mine, playing a pivotal role in its development. The recent agreement between the two parties formalizes their collaboration. |
