The latest renewable energy news includes announcements on Lodestone Energy, WestWind Energy, RWE, Duren-Merken Wind Farm in Germany, and others.
Lodestone Energy Secures IPO Investor Commitments to Raise Up to NZ$100 Million
New Zealand solar developer Lodestone Energy has received firm investor commitments for its initial public offering, which targeted proceeds of NZ$75 million–NZ$100 million. The company offered shares at NZ$2.25 each, implying a post-offer market capitalisation of approximately NZ$440 million–NZ$465 million. Trading on the New Zealand Exchange is scheduled to begin on October 22, 2026. Lodestone operates five utility-scale solar farms, generating electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of more than 33,000 households. The company plans to use IPO proceeds for additional solar construction, electricity retail expansion and corporate requirements. Existing shareholders are retaining their investments, with no secondary share sales included in the offering.
Victoria Approves A$5 Billion Warracknabeal Wind Farm with 1,575 MW Capacity
Australia’s Victoria state government has granted final state-level planning approval for the 1,575 MW Warracknabeal Energy Park, developed by WestWind Energy. The project represents an estimated A$5 billion investment and will include up to 219 wind turbines across approximately 26,000 hectares of agricultural land in western Victoria. Two battery energy storage systems, each rated at 300 MW, are also planned. Annual electricity generation is estimated at approximately 5,500 GWh, equivalent to consumption by up to 1.2 million households. Construction is expected to create approximately 950 jobs. The project has completed state environmental assessment and planning approvals but still requires federal environmental clearance before construction can proceed.
RWE Commissions 14 MW Düren-Merken Wind Farm in Germany’s Former Mining Region German energy company RWE has commissioned the 14 MW Düren-Merken wind farm near the Inden open-cast mine in North Rhine-Westphalia. The installation comprises two wind turbines and was completed approximately nine months after construction began in early 2026. Annual electricity generation is expected to cover the requirements of approximately 9,000 households. Four municipalities — Duren, Inden, Langerwehe and Niederzier — will collectively receive up to €50,000 annually through municipal participation arrangements. The project is separate from RWE’s recently reported Jüchen solar expansion. RWE is also developing a 236 MW/470 MWh battery storage facility at the Hambach mining site, where it already operates approximately 50 MWac of solar generation.
