Wind energy for the region: RWE has commissioned the Aldenhoven wind farm in the Düren district, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, which has a total installed capacity of 34.2 megawatts (MW). Since spring 2024, the company has installed six 5.7 MW wind turbines on recultivated land at the Inden opencast mine. This also benefits the local community. RWE pays the surrounding municipalities 0.2 euro cents per kilowatt hour produced. The new wind farm in Aldenhoven is expected to generate revenues of up to €150,000 per year. RWE plans to start construction of two additional 7 MW wind turbines near the new wind farm in Düren-Merken at the beginning of next year. The company has recently made the investment decision for this project.
Katja Wünschel, CEO RWE Renewables Europe & Australia: “We consider the Rhenish lignite area to be an ideal location for wind power. We have already installed wind turbines with a combined output of 249 MW. We are currently constructing a further 77 MW, and more projects are ready and waiting. 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.”
Green growth in the domestic market
Onshore wind energy plays a decisive role in the energy transition, forming one of the cornerstones of the expansion of renewable energy sources. RWE is currently constructing wind farms in its home market of Germany with a planned total capacity of 170 MW (676 MW already in operation), including 77 MW in the Rhenish lignite area (Bergheim Wiedenfelder Höhe, Bedburg; 249 MW already installed in the Rhenish lignite area). To establish a strong presence in the regional wind and solar industries, RWE has its headquarters in Essen, as well as nine regional offices throughout Germany.
Pictures, a film and video footage of Aldenhoven wind farm for media use are available at the RWE Media Centre (credit: RWE).