RWE has secured two solar projects in North Rhine-Westphalia in the latest German Federal Network Agency solar tender.
The successful projects include a large utility-scale solar farm at Manheimer Bucht in the Rhein-Erft district and the expansion of an existing photovoltaic project alongside the A44n motorway. Combined, these solar farms will generate enough clean electricity to supply approximately 11,300 German households. Subject to building permits, construction is expected to start in the first half of 2026, with commissioning by the end of the year.
Katja Wünschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, highlighted the company’s strategic focus: “These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to the energy transition in the Rhenish region, and we are keeping up the pace with the expansion of our solar portfolio. We are already operating seven major solar farms in the region, some in combination with battery storage systems. For the two new solar farms, we are also examining whether it will be possible to put battery systems in place.”
RWE’s current construction along the A44n motorway, between Bedburg and Jüchen, includes solar plants with a total capacity of 86.5 MWp (74.6 MWac). These are scheduled to go live by the end of 2025, with a second extension phase of 19.9 MWp (15.5 MWac) planned for next year. This expansion will comprise more than 30,600 solar modules on recultivated land at the Garzweiler opencast mine. Projects alongside motorways benefit from faster approvals and higher public acceptance, making them a strategic focus for RWE.
The Manheimer Bucht solar farm, located in the southern part of the Hambach opencast mine in Kolpingstadt Kerpen, will feature around 26,500 solar modules over 14.5 hectares—roughly the size of 20 football pitches—and a capacity of 17.2 MWp (14.3 MWac).
RWE continues to strengthen its presence in the Rhenish region, currently operating seven solar farms, four of which include integrated battery storage systems. In April, RWE began constructing a new photovoltaic system at the Hambach opencast mine near Niederzier, with over 22,000 solar modules. This facility will supply enough electricity for around 4,500 households once operational. Additional solar projects in the region are currently in the planning phase.
RWE’s strategy focuses on scaling solar capacity efficiently, combining utility-scale projects with battery storage, and leveraging public support through innovative siting, including recultivated mine land and motorway corridors. This approach underscores the company’s commitment to accelerating the energy transition in Germany.
Faheema P