RWE has commissioned the Aldenhoven wind farm in the Düren region, North Rhine-Westphalia, in Germany; Another addition to the renewable capacity of North Rhine-Westphalia. The plant is equipped with a total installed capacity of 34.2 megawatts and has six 5.7 MW land-based turbines installed on reclaimed land taken from the Inden opencast mine. The project started in spring 2024.
Beyond generating a clean source of power, the project benefits local municipalities. RWE pays 0.2 euro cents per kilowatt hour of electricity generated. The Aldenhoven wind farm is expected to generate revenue of upto €150,000 annually. The company has confirmed an investment decision to add two further turbines, each with a capacity of 7 MW, near the Düren-Merken wind farm. Construction of these units is scheduled to begin at the start of next year.
Katja Wünschel, CEO RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, commented: “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.”
Onshore wind remains a critical element in Germany’s transition to a low-carbon future. RWE continues to expand its domestic infrastructure, with 170 MW planned capacity and 676 MW already operational across the country. In the Rhenish lignite region alone, 77 MW with 249 MW operational. With headquarters in Essen and nine regional offices across the country, RWE is placing itself at the heart of Germany’s changing wind and solar future.