RWE has begun construction on a utility-scale solar plant in the Rhein-Erft district of Germany. The Manheimer Bucht solar park is being built within the Hambach opencast mine, in the municipality of Kolpingstadt Kerpen. A total of 25 300 solar modules are being installed and the first sections of the substructure and some modules have already been installed. Upon completion at the end of 2026, the solar farm will have a capacity peaking at 16.5 MW (14.8 MWac).
Manheimer Bucht will be located at the southern end of the future lake at Hambach opencast mine. It will take several decades for the water to reach the area. RWE is using this time to expand renewable energies in suitable, approved areas.
The solar farm will be supplemented by a co-located battery storage facility, construction of which is scheduled to begin this summer. Designed to have a capacity of 80 MWh, the facility is planned to be commissioned at end – 2026, and will be able to contribute to grid stability.
Lars Kulik, RWE Power board member responsible for the lignite division: “Our opencast mines are turning into lakes. To ensure that the region remains an energy hub, we are using the future lake areas to expand renewable energy in the meantime. In this way, we are creating opportunities for our team and the region.”
One battery storage facility and three solar farms with a total capacity of 61 MW peak are already in operation at Hambach opencast mine. RWE operates these plants in collaboration with NEULAND HAMBACH GmbH, which represents the surrounding municipalities of Elsdorf, Jülich, Kerpen, Merzenich, Niederzier and Titz. As part of this co-operation, these municipalities have the option to participate in the Manheimer Bucht project.
