Earlier in 2022, RWE opened it largest onshore wind farm to date – the 96MW Clocaenog Wind Farm, in North Wales and has begun construction of its’ latest onshore wind farm, the 16 turbine Enoch Hill project, in Scotland.

Onshore wind is quick to build and easily scalable compared to other energy production technologies.

With planned growth on greenfield sites in Scotland and Wales, RWE has welcomed the inclusion of onshore wind in future annual Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction rounds, as well as Government commitment to support work to improve grid connections; as well as plans to look at repowering.

Supporting Local Communities

In 2021, onshore wind farms operated by RWE contributed over £2.9 million to local community funds, including over 350 different grants, and helped secure an additional £22 million in matching funding. Our community funds are really flexible and designed to support what is most important to communities, with funding decisions made by panels of local people.

The wide and diverse range of projects funded through our wind farms make a real difference to communities, and include conservation projects, upgrading community facilities such as playgrounds, air source heat pumps and solar panels for community buildings, salaries for staff working with community groups, education and training grants for local people and development grants for small local businesses.

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.

Since 2012, more than 40 wind turbine technicians have been trained, or are in training, through the RWE apprenticeship scheme. Our current and future wind turbine technicians will play a valuable role in this growing sector.