RWE has started construction of the “Manheimer Bucht” utility-scale solar project in Germany’s Rhein-Erft district, accelerating renewable energy expansion at the Hambach opencast mine. The new solar park, located in the municipality of Kolpingstadt Kerpen, will feature 25,300 solar modules spread across an area equivalent to around 20 football fields.
The Manheimer Bucht solar plant will deliver a total installed capacity of 16.5 megawatts peak (14.8 MWac) and is expected to generate enough clean electricity to power approximately 5,000 households annually. RWE said the project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026 as part of its broader renewable energy strategy in Germany’s Rhenish mining region.
The solar facility will occupy land that will eventually become part of the future Hambach lake following the transformation of the opencast lignite mining area. Since the flooding process will take several decades, RWE is utilizing approved sections of the site for renewable energy generation in the interim period.
RWE is also integrating energy storage into the project to strengthen grid reliability and renewable energy flexibility. Construction of a co-located battery storage system is planned to begin this summer. The battery installation will have a storage capacity of 80 megawatt-hours and is expected to enter operation by the end of 2026, supporting grid stability and balancing intermittent solar generation.
According to Sopna Sury, the company continues to expand its solar portfolio while enhancing renewable energy reliability through battery storage integration. She highlighted that RWE already operates nine large solar parks across the Rhenish region and emphasized the importance of collaboration with local municipalities and communities through partnerships with NEULAND HAMBACH GmbH.
Lars Kulik said the transition of opencast mines into lakes is creating new opportunities for renewable energy development and helping maintain the region’s position as an important energy hub.
RWE currently operates one battery storage system and three solar farms at the Hambach opencast mine with a combined capacity of 61 megawatts peak. These renewable energy assets are managed in partnership with NEULAND HAMBACH GmbH, representing municipalities surrounding the mining area including Elsdorf, Jülich, Kerpen, Merzenich, Niederzier, and Titz.
The Manheimer Bucht project reflects the growing trend of repurposing former mining and industrial land for renewable energy infrastructure, while combining solar generation with battery storage to improve grid resilience and support Germany’s long-term energy transition goals.
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