RWE Clean Energy, a subsidiary of German utility RWE, has expanded its U.S. presence by acquiring a 599-megawatt portfolio of three solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. This acquisition strengthens RWE’s renewable energy footprint in Idaho, Washington, and New York.
RWE’s Operations in the United States
RWE Clean Energy, the U.S. subsidiary of German energy company RWE Group, was formerly known as Con Edison Clean Energy. With a 15-year track record in developing, constructing, and operating renewable facilities, the company is one of the leading clean energy providers in the country.
Employing 2,000 people, RWE Clean Energy manages a 9 GW portfolio of onshore wind, solar, and battery storage, making it the fourth-largest renewable energy company in the U.S. The new acquisitions include two development-stage renewable projects in PacifiCorp’s Pacific Northwest territory and a mid-stage development asset in northeastern New York.
These acquisitions—the Cedar Ridge, Remington, and Champlain Solar Projects—will bolster RWE’s presence in these regions and help meet the growing demand for clean, affordable energy.
Cedar Ridge Solar Project
The largest site is the 300 MW Cedar Ridge solar PV project in Blaine County, Idaho, paired with a 150 MW/600 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) with a four-hour duration. Located in the PacifiCorp region, the asset is poised to help meet growing demand and provide regional grid support, consistent with PacifiCorp’s resource planning. PacifiCorp, which operates in the Western US, outlined in its 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) a goal to install 20 GW of solar and wind capacity across its markets by 2032.
Remington Solar Project
RWE also acquired a 199 MW (796 MWh) standalone BESS with a four-hour duration in Marion County, Oregon. Together, the Cedar Ridge and Remington projects expand RWE’s footprint in the Pacific Northwest.
“RWE is thrilled to complete our first acquisitions with Galehead, especially the Remington and Cedar Ridge projects, which enable us to expand our presence in the Pacific Northwest market where there is a strong demand for affordable, clean energy,” said Hanson Wood, head of development for utility-scale renewables at RWE Clean Energy.
Champlain Solar Project
The smallest of the three assets is the 100 MW solar project in Washington County, New York, where RWE notes growing electricity demand. Its strategic location will help meet this demand within the NYISO market and expand RWE’s presence in the state, reaffirming the company’s commitment to clean energy in New York. The project is currently in mid-stage development, and the company has not yet confirmed an expected operation date.
RWE Group’s Expansion and Future Goals
RWE currently has 36 gigawatts (GW) of onshore wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) under development in the U.S. The company plans to expand its U.S. renewables portfolio from over 9 GW of net installed capacity today to more than 19 GW.
The parent company’s global earnings from solar and wind assets rose significantly from 2022, reaching around US$1.35 billion. This growth is largely due to the March 2023 acquisition of Con Edison’s clean energy business in the U.S., which added a 24 GW project pipeline of solar, storage, and wind assets.
As a leader in renewable energy, RWE is committed to growing its global green technology capacity to over 65 GW by 2030, with 30% of this growth expected in the U.S. The company plans to invest EUR 20 billion in the U.S. as part of its global EUR 55 billion investment strategy from 2024 to 2030.
RWE’s acquisition of a 599 MW solar and battery portfolio from Galehead Development marks a significant expansion of its U.S. renewable energy footprint, particularly in Idaho, Washington, and New York. These ambitious targets underscore RWE’s commitment to renewable energy and its strategic focus on the U.S. market as a key area for growth. The company’s substantial investments and development plans reflect its dedication to advancing green technology and strengthening its renewable energy presence on the global stage.