RWE and Rivian Conclude 15-Year Power Supply Agreement: A Step Towards Decarbonization

The German energy company RWE has signed a 15-year power purchase agreement with electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian. Under the agreement, RWE will supply electricity from the expanded Champion Wind project in Nolan and Mitchell counties in western Texas, USA. The agreement supports Rivian's goal of a carbon-neutral future and provides renewable energy for the Rivian Adventure Network, the company's fast-charging station network. This commitment aims to enable seven billion miles of environmentally friendly driving. Champion Wind is currently being upgraded with new turbine casings and blades to extend its operational life. Project completion is planned for mid-2025. Andrew Flanagan, CEO of RWE Clean Energy, emphasizes that RWE continues to pursue commercial opportunities to partner with innovative companies like Rivian to decarbonize the power grid. The renewal of Champion Wind began earlier this year, with M A Mortenson Company overseeing the construction. Siemens Gamesa is supplying 41 turbines, which will be equipped with new casings and blades and mounted on existing towers. The components are manufactured in the USA. In addition to modernization, six more Siemens Gamesa turbines, each with 3.1 MW, will be installed. After commissioning, the wind farm will generate enough electricity to enable nearly one billion miles of eco-friendly driving annually or provide energy for 36,000 Texas households. In line with RWE's commitment to sustainability and waste reduction, the company is partnering with REGEN Fiber from Iowa to recycle the retired turbine blades from Champion Wind. Simultaneously, RWE has obtained approval from the Danish Energy Agency to construct the Thor offshore wind farm on the west coast of Jutland. Construction will begin next year and is expected to provide green electricity for over one million Danish households. Additionally, RWE opened a new 44 MW onshore wind farm in France in June.