Solar power in the UK

RWE has a mature development pipeline of solar projects which already have grid connections and land secured, as well as the necessary planning approvals from the relevant authorities already in place. Our first UK solar projects are due to enter construction in the early part of 2024, and could become operational by the end of the same year.

At the same time, we are continuing to grow our development portfolio. We were the most successful solar developer in the recent Contracts for Difference auctions, securing agreements for six UK solar projects. Together, these projects account for enough renewable electricity generation capacity to power thousands of UK homes, support local supply chains and jobs, and make an important contribution to the UK’s ambitions for net zero and energy security.

Why Solar?

Solar and co-located battery storage are an important part of the UK’s future energy mix, and a key component in the decarbonisation of our energy system. The UK has committed to fully decarbonise its electricity system by 2035. To support this, the Government is targeting a five-fold increase in solar capacity over the next 12 years, from 15 – 70 gigawatts (GW), and increasing battery storage capacity from 1.5 GW to 6.5 GW by 2026.

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Supporting Local Communities

RWE is committed to building long-term partnerships with our neighbouring communities. We have a long history of supporting local communities through funds delivered through the operation of our renewable energy projects. In the more than 20 years since our clean energy projects have been operating in the UK, we have invested over £33 million into hundreds of community-led projects across the country, helping to build strong sustainable communities for the future.

All of our community funds are managed and delivered locally, with important funding allocation decisions taken by members of the community in which our projects operate. Our community funds are flexible and designed to support what is most important to communities.

Supporting farming and the environment

Solar farms deliver far more than clean, renewable energy. They are havens for wildlife, can continue to be grazed, and provide valuable revenue streams for British farmers. This means solar farms support nature recovery, biodiversity net gain and UK food security, all from the same plot of land.

Solar farms are also a fully reversible form of development able to restore land to its former use at the end of the project’s operational lifetime. Protected species have been found to be more abundant inside solar farms, compared to land primarily used for agriculture.

Working with landowners

Thanks to our extensive experience of developing solar projects across the UK, we have developed a close, collaborative relationship with landowners we work with to realise our projects.  We aim to ensure the best possible economic and agricultural benefits can be achieved for those landowners who host our projects, while also playing an important role in protecting the environment, securing UK energy supply, and helping deliver Net Zero.

Working with the next generation

RWE has embarked on skills and education initiatives with primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities around the UK. These range from development of curriculum materials and delivery of masterclasses, to teacher training, student internships and careers programmes. Through its projects, the company has engaged with thousands of young people, encouraging STEM learning and raising awareness of the sector.