Hambach opencast mine continues transformation as RWE launches additional solar and battery energy project

Hambach opencast mine continues transformation as RWE launches additional solar and battery energy project

(IN BRIEF) RWE has launched construction of the new Manheimer Bucht solar park at the Hambach opencast mine in Germany’s Rhein-Erft district, continuing the transformation of the former mining region into a renewable energy hub. The project will include 25,300 solar panels capable of generating electricity for around 5,000 households, alongside a new 80 megawatt-hour battery storage facility designed to support grid stability. Developed in partnership with local municipalities through NEULAND HAMBACH GmbH, the initiative builds on existing renewable energy projects already operating at Hambach and highlights the growing role of former mining areas in Germany’s energy transition.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 20-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — RWE has started construction on another large-scale solar project at the Hambach opencast mine in Germany’s Rhein-Erft district, further advancing the company’s renewable energy strategy while supporting the long-term transformation of the former mining region into a future energy hub.

The new “Manheimer Bucht” solar park is being developed in the municipality of Kolpingstadt Kerpen and will feature approximately 25,300 solar modules installed across an area comparable to around 20 football fields. Initial work on the project is already underway, with sections of the supporting structure and several modules already in place. Once completed by the end of 2026, the solar installation is expected to deliver a peak capacity of 16.5 megawatts and generate enough renewable electricity to meet the annual energy needs of roughly 5,000 households.

The project site forms part of the future Hambach lake area, which is being created as part of the long-term redevelopment of the former opencast mine. Since it will take decades before water reaches the designated location, RWE is using the interim period to deploy renewable energy infrastructure in approved areas surrounding the future lake.

Alongside the solar development, RWE is also planning a co-located battery storage system designed to improve grid flexibility and energy reliability. Construction of the storage facility is scheduled to begin during the summer of 2026. Once operational at the end of next year, the battery system will provide a storage capacity of 80 megawatt-hours and help stabilise the electricity grid by storing renewable power and making it available when demand increases.

Sopna Sury, CEO of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, said the company continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio while integrating battery storage technology to maximise the availability and efficiency of renewable electricity generation. She also highlighted the importance of involving local communities in the region’s energy transition through collaboration with NEULAND HAMBACH GmbH.

RWE noted that the Hambach mining region already hosts several renewable energy facilities developed in partnership with the municipal alliance NEULAND HAMBACH GmbH, which represents the surrounding municipalities of Elsdorf, Jülich, Kerpen, Merzenich, Niederzier and Titz. The partnership currently includes three solar farms and one battery storage facility with a combined solar generation capacity of 61 megawatts peak. The municipalities involved also have the opportunity to participate financially in the new Manheimer Bucht project.

Lars Kulik, member of the RWE Power board responsible for the lignite division, said the redevelopment of former mining sites into renewable energy locations is helping preserve the region’s role as an important energy centre while creating new opportunities for both local communities and employees connected to the mining sector.

The project reflects the broader transition taking place across Germany’s former coal regions, where renewable energy infrastructure, battery storage systems and future lake developments are increasingly being integrated into post-mining land use strategies.

For further enquiries: 

Sarah Knauber
RWE Renewables Europe & Australia GmbH
Press Spokesperson
M +49 (0) 162 2544489
E sarah.knauber@rwe.com
Images for media use are available at the RWE Media Centre (Source: RWE).

RWE

RWE is leading the way to a modern energy world. With its investment and growth strategy, RWE is contributing significantly to the success of the energy transition and the decarbonisation of the energy system. Around 20,000 employees work for the company in over 20 countries worldwide. RWE is one of the leading companies in the field of renewable energy. RWE is investing billions of euros in expanding its generation portfolio, in particular in offshore and onshore wind, solar energy and batteries. This is perfectly complemented by its global energy trading business. Thanks to its integrated portfolio of renewables, battery storage and flexible generation, as well as its broad project pipeline of possible new builds, RWE is well positioned to address the growing global demand for electricity, particularly driven by further electrification and artificial intelligence. RWE is decarbonising its business in line with the 1.5-degree reduction pathway and will phase out coal by 2030. RWE will be net zero by 2040. Fully in line with the company’s purpose – Our energy for a sustainable life.

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SOURCE: RWE