Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 28, RWE, a leading German energy company, has launched a 14 MW solar plant at the Hambach opencast mine in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Located near Niederzier, the 12-hectare facility features over 22,000 solar modules, capable of supplying electricity to approximately 4,500 households annually.

Construction of the solar plant was completed in under five months, with RWE employing artificial intelligence for the first time to monitor progress using drone imagery. This innovative approach enhanced efficiency and ensured the project was finished ahead of schedule. The new plant is RWE’s third solar installation at the Hambach site, where two other facilities with a combined capacity of 47.2 MW, including one with an 8 MW battery storage system, are already operational.

Katja Wunschel, Chief Executive of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, stated: “Thanks to the tremendous dedication of our team, we were able to commission the new plant near Niederzier ahead of schedule. It is important to us to get the people in the region on board – for example by involving the neighbouring municipalities. Our collaboration with the Neuland Hambach organisation is a case in point.” This reflects RWE’s commitment to engaging local communities in its renewable energy initiatives.

Through a partnership with Neuland Hambach GmbH, local municipalities have the opportunity to invest in the new solar plant, fostering regional participation and economic benefits. The project aligns with RWE’s broader strategy to expand renewable energy in the Rhenish region, where the company now operates eight solar parks, four of which include battery storage, alongside nine onshore wind farms.

The Hambach solar plant contributes to Germany’s transition to sustainable energy by repurposing former mining land for clean power generation. The integration of advanced technologies, such as AI-driven monitoring and battery storage, enhances the reliability and efficiency of the facility. By involving local stakeholders, RWE ensures that the project supports both environmental goals and community development.

This initiative underscores RWE’s leadership in renewable energy development, leveraging innovative solutions and collaborative partnerships to meet growing electricity demand with sustainable sources. The Hambach solar plant is expected to play a key role in reducing carbon emissions while providing reliable power to thousands of households in North Rhine-Westphalia.