September 30, 2024: RWE, the UK's leading power generator, has announced the commencement of construction on four new solar projects, bringing the total number of solar projects under construction to 11. This expansion marks a significant step in RWE's growth in renewable energy and its support for the UK's net-zero goals.
In conjunction with this announcement, RWE has launched a new UK Solar Developers Charter, a pioneering initiative in the sector that underscores the company’s commitment to prioritising social, economic, and environmental well-being in its development and construction activities.
The Solar Developers Charter formalises RWE's dedication to engaging with local communities, ensuring that its solar projects provide long-term benefits, including economic opportunities and environmental stewardship. The Charter emphasises RWE's approach to protecting biodiversity, supporting local employment, and creating lasting value for the regions in which it operates.
The new solar farms—Copse Lodge, Fraddon, Laynes Wood, and Wick Farm—will collectively have an installed capacity of approximately 200 megawatts (MWac), enough to supply clean, renewable electricity to over 80,000 UK homes. These projects are scheduled to become operational by 2026, contributing to the production of clean electricity for years to come.
These announcements were made by Katja Wünschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, during a visit to the Cotmoor Solar Project in Nottinghamshire. Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, also joined the visit. Construction at Cotmoor is over 75% complete, making it the most advanced of RWE's UK solar projects and set to be the company's first operational solar site in the country.
Katja Wünschel, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, expressed in the company’s official publication that; "Starting construction on these four new solar farms marks another major step in our renewable energy journey here in the UK. With 11 solar projects now in construction, RWE is making an important contribution to ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. We are proud to play a leading role in supporting the UK’s net-zero ambitions and helping to secure affordable, green energy for generations to come. In addition, our new Developers Charter will help frame how our projects will not only deliver clean energy but also leave a positive, lasting legacy on local ecosystems and communities, setting a clear standard for environmental responsibility in the delivery of solar power.”
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State remarked: “It was a pleasure to visit RWE's Cotmoor solar farm to see progress on the construction of the project which, once operational, will generate enough clean power for 24,000 UK homes. I welcome its 'Developers Charter' formalising the company's commitment to good site management, meaningful community engagement and respect for the local environment. Ensuring the delivery of clean, affordable and reliable green energy projects, working to best practice development and delivery principles, is an important objective for the Government.”
The Developer’s Charter follows RWE's commitment to achieving significant biodiversity net gains across its solar portfolio, ensuring that its solar farms support both the UK’s renewable energy goals and local ecosystems.
Since 2022, RWE has developed one of the UK’s largest solar and co-located battery storage fleets. In addition to solar projects, the company is investing in wind energy and battery storage solutions. These initiatives align with RWE’s goal to significantly increase renewable energy capacity by 2030, with plans to invest €8 billion net in low-carbon projects from 2024 to 2030, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy security.
Therefore, RWE's Developer’s Charter and ongoing investments in solar, wind, and battery storage highlight the company’s commitment to enhancing biodiversity while expanding its renewable energy capacity. With ambitious plans for significant investments in low-carbon projects, RWE is well-positioned to contribute to the UK's energy transition and sustainability goals, fostering both environmental stewardship and energy security.
