The target is ambitious, but for good reason: By 2030, at least 80 percent of the electricity produced in Germany is to be generated from renewable energies. For the energy turnaround in Germany to succeed, large tracts of land must be made available for energy parks. RWE has set itself the task of consistently expanding renewable energies while at the same time responsibly phasing out coal-fired power generation by 2030. RWE also demonstrates responsibility when it comes to potential conflicts of interest, as the energy supplier has no fundamental desire to take high-quality land out of agricultural production.

Around five gigawatts by 2030

In onshore wind and photovoltaics (PV) alone, RWE is aiming for an expansion potential of around five gigawatts by 2030. To achieve this, up to 15 billion euros gross are to be invested in climate protection in this country during this decade. At LIGNA 2023 in Hanover, RWE is therefore looking for (forest) landowners who will make their areas in and outside the forest available for wind or solar energy projects. In doing so, owners will benefit from the expertise and many years of experience of the energy supply group in the development, construction and operation of renewable energy parks.

Commitment to the domestic market

RWE formulates the clear claim to implement every renewable energy project possible in its home market in order to shape the energy world of the future megawatt by megawatt. So if you are a forest owner or farmer, if you own industrial or commercial land, or if you are looking for sensible options for using brownfield sites, quarry ponds or landfill sites - you should come and talk to RWE at LIGNA 2023 to explore cooperation as a landowner. As a DAX-listed company, RWE finances its projects from equity and is not dependent on banks. Land owners therefore benefit from sustainably secure revenues through leasing.

Long-term partnerships sought

RWE intends to be a partner to the land lessors for at least 25 years: The company plans, builds and operates the wind farm from a single source and takes over each new project into its own portfolio. Therefore, RWE emphasizes that a lot of importance is attached to a trusting business relationship and that the local communities and citizens should benefit from the wind farm. RWE therefore offers various participation models for landowners, citizens and local authorities. Each wind farm is to be planned individually - and taking into account the ideas of the land lessors as well as the respective regional conditions - in order to ensure the necessary local acceptance. On the basis of a high technical perspective and with extensive experience, RWE wants to get the most out of the areas and bring the projects successfully through the tendering procedures. In this context, the energy supplier emphasizes that it will of course pay for any inconvenience and crop losses during the construction phase.

Six steps to an income as a lease partner

The site for a wind turbine is not very demanding and therefore does not have to meet many requirements. Suitable sites include agricultural land, undeveloped land or other ground-level areas with wind potential and sufficient distance from adjacent residential areas. A whole range of areas are also suitable for photovoltaic projects: both farmland and agricultural land in disadvantaged areas, the shoulder of railways and freeways, former military and industrial areas, conversion areas and many other areas can be examined by RWE for existing solar potential.

The path to supporting the energy turnaround and earning an income as a lease partner is essentially divided into the following six steps: filling out the contact form and submitting details of the site, checking the site and the wind/solar potential, preliminary offer and discussion of the land use agreement, signing the contract as the start of the partnership and project development, construction phase of the wind/solar project and finally commissioning of the energy park.

RWE thus brings a breath of fresh air to LIGNA. Landowners will learn more about their opportunities to become part of the green future. Their culinary well-being will also be catered for with a dedicated barrista - coffee and renewable energies: The perfect combination for a successful LIGNA day.