RWE AG, one of Europe’s leading energy producers, has completed the commissioning of six energy projects in the United States, totalling 999 megawatts (MW) of capacity. This expansion includes one new wind farm, one repowered wind facility, three solar installations and one standalone battery storage system. The assets are located across four states, including Arkansas, where RWE begins operations for the first time.
Technology diversification across four states
The new capacity includes a 119 MW (476 MWh) battery energy storage project in California, marking the second phase of the Westside Canal Complex. This phase increases the total capacity of the site to 250 MW (1,000 MWh). The project created 160 construction jobs and is expected to generate approximately $20mn in local tax revenues over 20 years, according to RWE.
In Texas, RWE commissioned three installations, including the 300 MW Peregrine Solar project located in Goliad. The site was commissioned in just 15 days and involved 250 workers during construction. It is expected to generate more than $180,000 annually in local tax contributions. The 243 MW Peyton Creek II wind project, also in Texas, brings the total output of the Peyton Creek Complex to 394 MW. It supported around 250 construction jobs and will contribute approximately $60mn in local tax revenues over the project’s lifetime.
First entry in Arkansas and expansion in Virginia
RWE also repowered the Champion Wind site, a 127 MW wind farm originally commissioned in 2008 and located in Nolan and Mitchell counties, Texas. The repowered project extends its operational life by 20 years and is expected to generate approximately $31mn in tax revenues for the community. Over 200 construction jobs were created during the upgrade phase.
In Arkansas, Quartz Solar marks RWE’s first operational project in the state. The 135 MW facility peaked at 300 workers during construction and is projected to contribute $12.5mn in local tax revenues. It is located in Cross County, a region experiencing rising energy demand driven by the growth of data centres and manufacturing.
In Virginia, the 75 MW Wythe County Solar project is now operational. More than 300 workers were involved at the peak of construction, with local sourcing for services such as water, sanitation, and equipment rentals. The project is expected to contribute around $7mn in tax revenue over its operational period.
Expanding US asset portfolio
With this commissioning round, RWE continues to grow its portfolio of operational assets in the US, reinforcing its position as the third largest renewable energy company in the country. In total, more than 1,400 jobs were created during the construction phases, and the projects are expected to generate over $130mn in local tax revenues across their lifetimes.
Andrew Flanagan, Chief Executive Officer of RWE Clean Energy, stated that the projects are designed to “meet the growing demand for energy” while “creating jobs in the American energy sector.”
