RWE, one of the UK’s leading generators, is celebrating the energisation of four solar and battery storage projects across the UK. These projects are RWE’s first operational, grid-connected solar sites in the UK, marking the start of delivering its solar pipeline, with nine more projects under construction.
Following the successful commercial operations of co-located solar and battery project Langford (Devon) and solar farm Cotmoor (Nottinghamshire), Doverdale (Worcestershire) and Laynes Wood (Gloucestershire) have now been connected to the grid. Combined, they can deliver a total of 185 MW of new solar capacity and 35 MW of battery storage. Together, they will provide enough power to meet the electricity needs of over 82,000 houses each year.
Katja Wünschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia said: “The operation of our first four solar plants marks RWE’s entry into solar generation in the UK and represents an important milestone for the value-accretive growth of our business. These first projects demonstrate how we are delivering renewable energy that brings real benefits to the UK — providing clean power for homes and businesses, supporting farming families with secure income, and working in partnership with local communities to drive energy-saving initiatives.”
RWE is committed to delivering projects that benefit the local community and the natural environment while respecting local heritage and the landscape. Combined, the four solar projects will provide Community Benefit funding totalling £380,000.
RWE has published Cotmoor case studies demonstrating a focus on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration with local stakeholders to ensure that each project contributes positively to the surrounding area.
RWE’s solar projects deliver a range of community benefits, including:
- Supporting parishes with sustainable and energy saving initiatives – Parish councils in Warwickshire, Devon and Worcestershire have received funding to install solar PV on community buildings such as sports and village halls and on Glebe Infants School, Picklenash Primary School.
- Promoting biodiversity – RWE has invested in environmental improvements across all four sites, including wetland restoration, tree and hedgerow planting, and wildlife-friendly infrastructure developments.
- Providing educational opportunities – At Doverdale, RWE has worked with local schools and will be installing an onsite ‘outdoor classroom’ which will provide opportunities for local school children to engage with clean energy and sustainability topics first-hand.
Solar can provide a sustainable and secure source of clean electricity, which is vital to the UK’s long-term energy security. Solar power offers a proven solution: it is low-cost, quick and straightforward to deploy, and fully reversible at the end of a project’s lifetime. In addition to these projects, RWE currently has nine solar and co-located battery storage projects under construction in the UK. To learn more about RWE’s UK solar portfolio, click here.
Pictures of RWE solar farms for media use (credit: RWE) are available at the RWE Media Centre.
