RWE has commissioned the 34MW Aldenhoven wind farm in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
The site, developed on recultivated land at the Inden opencast mine, features six 5.7MW turbines capable of powering 24,000 households with clean electricity.
RWE will pay surrounding municipalities €0.002 per kilowatt hour produced, generating up to €150,000 annually.
The company has also taken a final investment decision on two additional 7MW turbines near the Duren-Merken site, with construction due to start early next year.
Katja Wunschel, chief executive of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, said: “We consider the Rhenish lignite area to be an ideal location for wind power.
“The Aldenhoven wind farm is a prime example of efficient electricity generation on recultivated land. It demonstrates successful collaboration with the relevant authorities and local communities, as well as structural change in action. Six wind turbines can now generate electricity for an estimated 24,000 households on the site of the former Inden opencast mine. Many thanks to the RWE team and our partners.”
RWE has 249MW already installed in the Rhenish lignite area, with a further 77MW under construction.
The utility operates 676MW of onshore wind in Germany and is currently building projects totalling another 170MW.