RWE has commissioned a 34-megawatt wind farm in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, as part of ongoing efforts to expand renewable energy capacity on former mining land.
The Aldenhoven site, developed on recultivated land at the former Inden opencast lignite mine, features six turbines rated at 5.7MW each. According to RWE, the facility is capable of supplying clean electricity to approximately 24,000 households.
“The Aldenhoven wind farm is a prime example of efficient electricity generation on recultivated land,” said Katja Wunschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia. “It demonstrates successful collaboration with the relevant authorities and local communities, as well as structural change in action.”
As part of its community engagement efforts, RWE will provide surrounding municipalities with payments of €0.002 per kilowatt hour generated, potentially amounting to €150,000 annually.
The company also announced it has reached a final investment decision on two additional 7MW turbines to be constructed near the Düren-Merken site. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026.
RWE currently operates 249MW of wind power capacity in the Rhenish lignite region and is building a further 77MW. Across Germany, the utility manages 676MW of onshore wind assets and has an additional 170MW under construction.
