RWE has begun construction of a solar and storage project in the Hambach opencast lignite mine site in Germany.
The developer plans to operate the solar projects in the Hambach opencast mine in cooperation with Neuland Hambach.
After its completion, expected at the end of 2023, the RWE Neuland Solar Park will have a capacity of 8.4MW, while the energy storage system is designed for a two-hour power consumption and output of over 8 megawatt hours, to act as a buffer between power generation and the grid.
The new plant is being built in the immediate vicinity of the RWE Neuland 1 Solar Park with a planned capacity of 17.6MW.
If the building permit is granted quickly, construction could begin this year.
Katja Wünschel, CEO RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, said: “This is already the fourth major solar project that we have initiated in the Rhenish mining area in a short period of time, again in combination with a storage system.
“Especially in our home state of North Rhine-Westphalia, we are picking up the pace and realising every wind and solar project that is possible.
“By 2030, these will be renewable energy projects with 1000MW throughout Germany, of which at least 500MW will be in the Rhenish mining area.”