popular articles

RWE begins construction of its second solar farm in Ohio

Construction has started on the Union Ridge Solar Farm, with a 98 MWac capacity, in Licking County, Ohio. The project is creating hundreds of local jobs and strengthening the skilled workforce in the renewable energy sector.

Please share:

RWE, the third largest renewable energy producer in the United States, has begun construction of its second solar farm in the state of Ohio. The Union Ridge project, with a capacity of 98 megawatts alternating current (MWac), is located in Licking County, in central Ohio. The company acquired the project from Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) in autumn 2024.

Development of the Union Ridge Solar Farm represents a $68mn investment in the local economy of Licking County. The project is expected to generate approximately 280 direct jobs during the construction phase, including wages and benefits, as well as increased local procurement and tax contributions. These economic effects are also expected to boost surrounding services and local businesses.

Collaboration with local unions

RWE has partnered with MasTec Renewables for the project’s construction, with a specific objective of leveraging Ohio’s unionised craft workforce. The two companies are working with several local unions, including the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). This partnership enables the hiring of skilled workers for the construction and installation of the utility-scale solar farm.

Economic impact and support for workforce training

Kevin Kroll, Chief Operating Officer at RWE Clean Energy, stated: “Our Union Ridge project is a real example of how we collaborate with leading American companies to generate jobs and boost local economies with our homegrown energy.” According to him, the project also supports Ohio’s skilled workforce by developing long-term job opportunities in the renewable energy industry.

Mike Flynn, Senior Vice President of Operations at MasTec Renewables, added: “Our partnership with RWE for the Union Ridge project shows MasTec’s commitment to driving local economic growth and strengthening workforce development. This project creates hundreds of roles, from skilled labourers to utility electricians and solar panel assemblers.”

Total capacity and future outlook

The Union Ridge Solar Farm will add to the 400 MW of wind and solar assets already owned and operated by RWE in Ohio. Once completed, it will bring RWE’s total operating capacity in the state to nearly 500 MW—enough to power more than 118,000 average US homes annually.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Global solar tracker market reaches 111 GWdc in 2024, says Wood Mackenzie

Global photovoltaic tracker shipments rose 20% in 2024, driven by India and Saudi Arabia, pushing the United States to a less dominant market position.
Chinese manufacturer Astronergy will supply its ASTRO N8 photovoltaic modules for a solar project developed in Spain by engineering firm GES Siemsa, marking a strategic advance in the European market.
Chinese manufacturer Astronergy will supply its ASTRO N8 photovoltaic modules for a solar project developed in Spain by engineering firm GES Siemsa, marking a strategic advance in the European market.
SMEG and the City of Mâcon have started construction of a 6 MWc solar power plant on a former landfill site, with commissioning scheduled for early 2026.
SMEG and the City of Mâcon have started construction of a 6 MWc solar power plant on a former landfill site, with commissioning scheduled for early 2026.
Producer Corsica Sole is inaugurating a 5.4 MWc photovoltaic plant in Cirey-sur-Vezouze on a former industrial site, with 8,700 panels and an estimated annual output of 6.1 GWh.
Producer Corsica Sole is inaugurating a 5.4 MWc photovoltaic plant in Cirey-sur-Vezouze on a former industrial site, with 8,700 panels and an estimated annual output of 6.1 GWh.

Kashgar reaches 10.2 GW of installed solar capacity and builds a new energy hub

The Kashgar region has connected over 10 GW of solar projects to the grid, representing more than three-quarters of its total power capacity, initiating the development of a new power system in southern Xinjiang.
U.S.-based Soltage raises $260mn to support the construction of 250 MW in solar and storage projects within a development pipeline exceeding 2 GW.
U.S.-based Soltage raises $260mn to support the construction of 250 MW in solar and storage projects within a development pipeline exceeding 2 GW.
Origis Energy has closed financing for the Wheatland project in Indiana as part of a $530mn portfolio, in partnership with MUFG and several financial institutions.
Origis Energy has closed financing for the Wheatland project in Indiana as part of a $530mn portfolio, in partnership with MUFG and several financial institutions.
Germany’s solar capture price fell to a five-year low in May, driven by rising negative price hours and excess photovoltaic capacity.
Germany’s solar capture price fell to a five-year low in May, driven by rising negative price hours and excess photovoltaic capacity.

Albioma commissions five solar plants in French Guiana totalling 1.4 MWc capacity

Albioma Solaire Guyane has commissioned five photovoltaic plants totalling 1.4 MWc, spread across Mana and Macouria, to strengthen local electricity supply in a region isolated from the national grid.
South African group NOA and Standard Bank have finalised the financing of the 349 MW Khauta South solar site, now the largest developed on a single site in South Africa.
South African group NOA and Standard Bank have finalised the financing of the 349 MW Khauta South solar site, now the largest developed on a single site in South Africa.
Enfinity Global signed new power purchase agreements for a 420 MW solar portfolio with a US technology company operating in Italy, reinforcing its position in the Italian energy market.
Enfinity Global signed new power purchase agreements for a 420 MW solar portfolio with a US technology company operating in Italy, reinforcing its position in the Italian energy market.
The American solar sector saw strong industrial growth in Q1, but tax and trade uncertainties could hinder its momentum and affect local investments.
The American solar sector saw strong industrial growth in Q1, but tax and trade uncertainties could hinder its momentum and affect local investments.

Top ten solar manufacturers ship 500 GW in 2024 despite $4bn losses

Global solar leaders doubled shipments in one year, but combined losses of $4 billion highlight intense margin pressure in the sector.
Growth in the U.S. solar sector is expected to slow by 2030 due to political shifts in Washington directly impacting tax incentives and imposing tariffs on essential materials, creating sectoral uncertainty.
Growth in the U.S. solar sector is expected to slow by 2030 due to political shifts in Washington directly impacting tax incentives and imposing tariffs on essential materials, creating sectoral uncertainty.
The $176 million agreement between Pine Gate Renewables and Waaree Solar Americas strengthens the US solar supply chain with locally manufactured modules.
The $176 million agreement between Pine Gate Renewables and Waaree Solar Americas strengthens the US solar supply chain with locally manufactured modules.
TotalEnergies has acquired a 350 MW portfolio of solar projects and 85 MW of battery storage in the United Kingdom, expected to be operational by 2028 and supplying the equivalent of 100,000 British households.
TotalEnergies has acquired a 350 MW portfolio of solar projects and 85 MW of battery storage in the United Kingdom, expected to be operational by 2028 and supplying the equivalent of 100,000 British households.

TEPCO signs SGD35mn financing deal for rooftop solar projects in Singapore

Tokyo Electric Power Company signed a financing agreement with Bank SinoPac to support a 40 MW rooftop solar project in Singapore, marking a first for the group in the Asia-Pacific region.
rPlus Energies finalised over $500mn in tax equity financing with RBC to support the construction of the 800 MW Green River Energy Center in Utah.
rPlus Energies finalised over $500mn in tax equity financing with RBC to support the construction of the 800 MW Green River Energy Center in Utah.
Carey International Group has committed $870mn to the construction of solar projects in the United States, marking the official launch of an energy portfolio led by SYMX Energy, with commissioning scheduled for 2026.
Carey International Group has committed $870mn to the construction of solar projects in the United States, marking the official launch of an energy portfolio led by SYMX Energy, with commissioning scheduled for 2026.
The Ivorian government has opened two tenders for 100 MWc photovoltaic plants in Dabakala and Niakaramandougou, each with 33 MWh of storage and 25-year IPP concessions.
The Ivorian government has opened two tenders for 100 MWc photovoltaic plants in Dabakala and Niakaramandougou, each with 33 MWh of storage and 25-year IPP concessions.

Mon Power and Potomac Edison launch new 5.75 MW solar site through local partnership

The two FirstEnergy subsidiaries have opened a third solar site on former industrial land, in cooperation with local partners, reaching a total capacity of 30 megawatts.
The La Gineste park, jointly developed by Q ENERGY and Velto Renewables, has a capacity of 9 MWc and marks a strengthening of the business partnership between the two companies in the Occitanie region.
The La Gineste park, jointly developed by Q ENERGY and Velto Renewables, has a capacity of 9 MWc and marks a strengthening of the business partnership between the two companies in the Occitanie region.
EDF and Korea Western Power signed an agreement to develop a 1.5-GW solar power plant in Abu Dhabi, following a tender for which sixteen entities had been prequalified.
EDF and Korea Western Power signed an agreement to develop a 1.5-GW solar power plant in Abu Dhabi, following a tender for which sixteen entities had been prequalified.
The Shafag 11 project in Jabrayil, backed by BP, SOCAR and the Azerbaijan Investment Company, secures a $200mn commitment at the Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition.
The Shafag 11 project in Jabrayil, backed by BP, SOCAR and the Azerbaijan Investment Company, secures a $200mn commitment at the Caspian Oil and Gas Exhibition.

Advertising