RWE, the third-largest renewable energy company in the U.S., signed a 15-year PPA with Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer, for electricity from the Champion Wind project in West Texas.
The 127 MW wind farm, located in Nolan and Mitchell Counties, will supply renewable energy to Rivian’s fast-charging network, the Rivian Adventure Network, supporting its goal of 100 percent renewable energy and enabling 7 billion miles of renewable driving.
Champion Wind is undergoing major upgrades with advanced turbine nacelles and blades, extending the facility’s life. Siemens Gamesa is supplying 41 turbines with new components manufactured in the U.S., and an additional six turbines will be rated at 3.1 MW. Completion is expected by mid-2025.
The repowered wind farm will generate enough energy to power approximately 36,000 homes in Texas each year or cover nearly 1 billion miles of renewable driving annually.
Decommissioned turbine blades from Champion will be repurposed through a partnership with REGEN Fiber, which converts them into construction materials, helping avoid landfill waste and enhancing concrete infrastructure.
RWE is committed to supporting local communities with over $31 million in tax revenue expected for Mitchell and Nolan Counties over the next 20 years. The project will continue to provide economic benefits, employment opportunities, and support essential services like schools and law enforcement.
Andrew Flanagan, CEO of RWE Clean Energy, emphasized RWE’s commitment to helping decarbonize the grid through partnerships like this.
Paul Frey, VP at Rivian, highlighted the project’s role in promoting a cleaner grid and a circular economy by reusing infrastructure.