German energy company RWE has signed a significant 15-year power purchase agreement with Rivian, an innovative electric vehicle manufacturer. This partnership marks a pivotal step towards sustainable energy solutions in the automotive sector.
Under the agreement, RWE will supply power to Rivian from its upgraded Champion Wind project, a 127 MW facility located in Nolan and Mitchell counties of West Texas, USA. This renewable energy will support the Rivian Adventure Network, the company’s fast-charging infrastructure designed to promote electric vehicle usage.
This strategic move aligns with Rivian’s commitment to achieving a carbon-neutral future and facilitating seven billion miles of renewable driving. Currently, the Champion Wind project is undergoing enhancements with new turbine nacelles and blades, aimed at extending its operational lifespan. The upgrade is scheduled for completion by mid-2025.
Andrew Flanagan, CEO of RWE Clean Energy, expressed excitement about the partnership: “RWE continues to pursue commercial opportunities to partner with leading innovative companies like Rivian to help decarbonize the grid. We are investing in clean energy projects to support the needs of energy-intensive companies, and PPAs like this one with Rivian facilitate those investments.”
The Champion Wind project, originally launched in 2008, began its repowering phase earlier this year, with M A Mortenson Company overseeing the construction. Siemens Gamesa is supplying 41 new turbines equipped with advanced nacelles and blades, all manufactured in the United States. In addition to the repowering, the wind farm will feature six additional Siemens Gamesa turbines rated at 3.1 MW each.
Once operational, the wind farm will generate enough electricity to power nearly one billion miles of renewable driving annually, equivalent to supplying energy to 36,000 households in Texas. In line with RWE’s commitment to sustainability and waste minimization, the company is collaborating with Iowa-based REGEN Fiber to recycle decommissioned turbine blades from Champion Wind.
In addition to this project, RWE has received permission from the Danish Energy Agency to construct the Thor offshore wind farm, located 22 km off the west coast of Jutland, Denmark. With all necessary permits in place, construction of the 1.1 GW offshore wind farm is set to begin next year. Once operational, Thor will generate sufficient green electricity for over one million Danish homes, featuring 72 wind turbines.
