RWE has announced the commencement of onsite construction at its Union Ridge Solar farm in Licking County, Ohio. The 98-megawatt project marks RWE's second solar farm in the state.
According to an RWE news release, the company acquired the project from Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) in fall 2024. The construction is expected to employ 280 workers at its peak and contribute to increased local economic activity through purchases of goods and services and sales tax payments. RWE estimates that its investment during this phase will generate approximately $68 million in new local economic activity for Licking County.
"LRE is proud to have fostered partnerships with C-TEC and local IBEW groups to collaboratively develop and establish the skilled training course in Licking County, through developing curriculum materials, donating First Solar modules, and other sponsorship contributions," said John Wieland, LRE's chief development officer.
The release states that RWE and its construction partner, MasTec Renewables, plan to utilize Ohio's craft union workforce for the project's construction. They are working with various labor unions, including the Laborers’ International Union of North America, International Union of Operating Engineers, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local halls across Ohio to hire skilled laborers for this utility-scale solar project.
RWE currently owns and operates approximately 400 megawatts of wind and solar assets in Ohio. With the addition of Union Ridge, its total operating capacity in the state will increase to nearly 500 megawatts, which can generate enough electricity to power more than 118,000 average homes annually.
