Children's footwear powered by renewable energy sources
In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), efforts to increase the share of renewable energy in electricity consumption are gaining momentum. While specific percentages relative to the 80% renewable coverage goal are not yet explicit, recent developments and approvals indicate a strong push forward.
Solar energy is a significant contributor to this transition. RWE, a leading energy company, has secured approval for two new solar projects totaling 37.1 MWp (megawatt peak). The Manheimer Bucht solar farm, with a capacity of 17.2 MWp, and an expansion of the A44n motorway photovoltaic project, with a capacity of 19.9 MWp, are set to provide power for around 11,300 households once operational, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2026.
Onshore wind energy also plays a crucial role. NRW accounts for nearly 30% of the approximately 14,000 MW of newly approved onshore wind capacity across Germany in 2024, demonstrating its key position in onshore wind expansion.
At the national level, Germany added over 8.6 GW of gross renewable capacity (mainly solar and onshore wind) in the first seven months of 2025, reflecting strong but still insufficient growth to meet long-term climate targets. NRW is a significant contributor to this trend.
The primary renewable sources moving NRW closer to the 80% renewable electricity consumption target are solar photovoltaic (PV) and onshore wind power. The regional efforts include not only new generation capacity but also integration with battery storage to enhance grid stability.
In a notable development, the French company Saint-Gobain's site in NRW is planned for conversion to green hydrogen production by 2030, using electricity from renewable energy sources. This move could help North Rhine-Westphalia reduce its consumption of energy from non-renewable sources. However, the source of the "green" electricity for this conversion has not been disclosed.
Despite this progress, further acceleration in project approvals and construction is required to fully achieve the ambitious 80% renewable electricity consumption goal. As of August 2025, the exact percentage of renewable energy consumption in NRW remains to be seen.
References:
- RWE secures approval for two new solar projects in North Rhine-Westphalia
- NRW accounts for nearly 30% of newly approved onshore wind capacity in Germany
- Germany adds over 8.6 GW of gross renewable capacity in first seven months of 2025
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