RWE Clean Energy has commenced construction on its 98-megawatt Union Ridge Solar project in Licking County, Ohio. This initiative marks an expansion of the company's energy portfolio within the state.
According to RWE, the Union Ridge Solar project is anticipated to generate approximately $68 million in local economic activity during its construction phase. The project is expected to employ around 280 workers at its peak. Once operational, it will contribute over $35 million in tax revenue over a 40-year period, providing roughly $882,000 annually to entities such as the Southwest Licking Local School District and Harrison Township.
The project underscores a collaboration between RWE and MasTec Renewables with Ohio craft unions, including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), and International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). This partnership aims to hire local electricians, laborers, and operators. Additionally, RWE is working with the Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County (C-TEC) Postsecondary Education Center to promote solar workforce development through a hands-on training course focused on utility-scale projects.
Kevin Kroll, Chief Operating Officer of RWE Clean Energy, said that "Our Union Ridge project is an example of how we partner with leading American companies to bring job growth and critical economic activity to communities across America with our homegrown energy." He added that through their partnership with MasTec, they are creating new employment opportunities for Licking County residents and supporting Ohio’s skilled labor workforce.
RWE operates as the third-largest renewable energy company in the United States through its subsidiary RWE Clean Energy. With operations spanning most states and employing 2,000 people, RWE boasts over 10 gigawatts in wind, solar, and battery projects. The company is expanding its clean energy portfolio while fostering job creation and local investment. Globally active in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific regions, RWE advances technologies such as wind, solar, battery storage, hydrogen production, and flexible generation. The company has set a target to achieve net zero by 2040 while responsibly phasing out coal by 2030. Additionally, RWE's energy trading arm supports liquefied natural gas (LNG) and large-scale customer energy solutions.
