Latest news with #AndrewFlanagan
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
RWE completes nearly 1 GW of energy assets, adding to its growing U.S. operations fleet
RWE completed three projects in Texas, including a 300 MW solar project in Goliad, Texas called Peregrine Solar . The project team's efficient work enabled the project to safely commission 300 MW in 15 days. This project provided critical economic benefits and local employment of 250 workers during its construction phase. Additionally, RWE's project will provide a community benefit that will generate over $180,000 per year for local jurisdictions throughout the project's lifetime. The newly operating assets include an expansion of the Westside Canal Complex , adding a 119 MW (476 MWh) 4-hour battery energy storage project located in Imperial County, California. As the second phase of the Westside Canal Complex, which provided 160 construction jobs, it increases the total capacity to 250 MW (1,000 MWh). This addition strengthens California's energy resilience, supporting reliability and the grid. It will also support local economic growth contributing an estimated $20 million in property tax revenue over the project's 20-year lifetime. Andrew Flanagan, CEO, RWE Clean Energy: "RWE is meeting growing demand by providing homegrown energy and advancing U.S. energy leadership with six completed clean energy assets. These projects advance domestic energy security nationwide, while stimulating local economic growth and creating energy sector jobs. As we move forward, we'll continue to help meet the rising energy demand across the U.S." AUSTIN, Texas, May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RWE, the third largest renewable energy company in the U.S., has expanded its growing operational asset base by completing six projects in recent months with a combined capacity of 999 megawatts (MW). The projects include one new wind farm, one repowered wind farm, three new solar installations and one standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) across four states. The newly completed projects strengthen U.S. energy infrastructure and independence, and will be capable of producing enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 177,000 homes and businesses nationwide. The six renewable energy projects brought more than 1,400 jobs during construction to local areas and will generate more than $130 million in local tax revenue over their operating lifetimes RWE adds one new wind farm, one repowered wind farm, three new solar projects and one standalone battery energy storage project across four different states, including its first operational project in Arkansas Story Continues Peyton Creek II, a 243 MW wind project in Bay City, Texas, was recently commissioned, bringing the total generating capacity of the Peyton Creek Complex to 394 MW. Peyton Creek II created approximately 250 jobs during construction, with the full Peyton Creek Complex now supporting 20 full-time local jobs in operation and adding approximately $60 million to the local tax revenue in Matagorda County over the project's lifetime. Also in Texas, RWE has completed commissioning of the repowered Champion Wind project, a 127 MW wind farm in Nolan and Mitchell counties, Texas. Originally commissioned in 2008, RWE extended the project lifetime for an additional 20 years, ensuring continued support for the local community and generating approximately $31 million in tax revenue over the project's lifetime. During construction, the project provided more than 200 local jobs. Marking RWE's first operational project in Arkansas, Quartz Solar, is a 135 MW solar project in Cross County, bringing new economic opportunities and added workforce in the state during a time of exponential power demand as data centers and manufacturing surge. The project supported 300 jobs at peak construction and will support additional permanent jobs during operation. Notably, Quartz Solar will provide $12.5 million in property tax revenue during its operating lifetime. In Virginia, RWE's 75 MW Wythe County Solar is now operational and is contributing to the region's power supply. The project employed more than 300 workers during peak construction and sourced locally for services during construction such as water, dumpsters, sanitary services, rental equipment and more. It will also add around $7 million in property tax revenue over the lifetime of the project. This project aligns with Virginia's "all of the above" energy strategy and helps meet growing energy demands. Generating Impact in the U.S. The commissioning of nearly 1 gigawatt of clean energy assets is providing American-made energy to the local grid and provides thousands of jobs, many of which are locally sourced. From coast to coast, these projects provide reliable and affordable power capacity. For more information, visit For further inquiries: Patricia Kakridas Sr. Manager, Media & Public Relations Corporate Communications RWE Clean Energy M + 619-753-5206 E RWE in the US Through its subsidiary RWE Clean Energy, RWE is the third largest renewable energy company in the United States, with a presence in most U.S. states from coast to coast. RWE's team of about 2,000 employees in the U.S. stands ready to help meet the nation's growing energy needs. With its homegrown and fastest-to-market product, RWE supports the goal of American Energy dominance and independence. To that end, RWE Clean Energy is committed to increasing its already strong asset base of over 10 gigawatts of operating wind, solar and battery projects, focusing on providing high-quality jobs. RWE invests in local and rural communities while strengthening domestic manufacturing supporting the renaissance of American industry. This is complemented by RWE's energy trading business. RWE is also a major offtaker of American liquified natural gas (LNG). As an energy company with a successful history spanning more than 125 years, RWE has an extensive knowledge of the energy markets and an excellent expertise in all major power generation and storage technologies, from nuclear, coal and gas to hydro, batteries, wind and solar. Cision View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE RWE
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Double decker buses scrapped from park and ride
Double-decker buses are to be removed from a Kent park and ride scheme due to struggling post-pandemic passenger numbers. The Stagecoach buses in Canterbury will be swapped with single-deckers and hopper buses as the city council aims to cut financial losses from the service. The city's three park and ride sites were used about 20,000 times in February of this year, compared to 30,000 times in February 2020 shortly before the Covid-19 lockdowns. A Canterbury City Council overview committee meeting was told the service currently loses more than £30,000 a month, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Councillors have backed the move to replace the double decker buses, with one remarking the existing buses are often seen with only "two people, a dog and a driver" onboard. Just 17% of journeys in February were at the Sturry Road facility, which had been mothballed by the previous Conservative administration in 2022 but brought back by the Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition after the April 2023 elections. The site currently loses £28,735 a month – the majority of the council's £32,366 monthly shortfall from the service. Other changes discussed included reducing the number of buses serving the Sturry road site from three to two. Canterbury City councillor Andrew Flanagan said changes to the service were "a sensible approach to take" while Conservative councillor Jeanette Stockley expressed concerns over the effect of reducing the number of buses in Sturry Road. The committee voted unanimously to recommend downsizing the fleet across all three sites, and replacing Sturry Road's buses with hoppers, but members were split on reducing the Sturry Road service. A final decision on the changes will be taken by the city council's cabinet on 23 April. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Park and Ride loses £30k per month Parking hike plans scrapped amid business fears Canterbury City Council Local Democracy Reporting Service
BBC News
06-04-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Canterbury to scrap double decker buses from park and ride
Double-decker buses are to be removed from a Kent park and ride scheme due to struggling post-pandemic passenger Stagecoach buses in Canterbury will be swapped with single-deckers and hopper buses as the city council aims to cut financial losses from the city's three park and ride sites were used about 20,000 times in February of this year, compared to 30,000 times in February 2020 shortly before the Covid-19 lockdowns.A Canterbury City Council overview committee meeting was told the service currently loses more than £30,000 a month, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Councillors have backed the move to replace the double decker buses, with one remarking the existing buses are often seen with only "two people, a dog and a driver" 17% of journeys in February were at the Sturry Road facility, which had been mothballed by the previous Conservative administration in 2022 but brought back by the Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition after the April 2023 site currently loses £28,735 a month – the majority of the council's £32,366 monthly shortfall from the service. Other changes discussed included reducing the number of buses serving the Sturry road site from three to City councillor Andrew Flanagan said changes to the service were "a sensible approach to take" while Conservative councillor Jeanette Stockley expressed concerns over the effect of reducing the number of buses in Sturry committee voted unanimously to recommend downsizing the fleet across all three sites, and replacing Sturry Road's buses with hoppers, but members were split on reducing the Sturry Road service.A final decision on the changes will be taken by the city council's cabinet on 23 April.
Reuters
06-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
US clean power investors see strong outlook despite gas plant rush
The rapid uptake of AI and cloud computing is rapidly increasing U.S. electricity demand and raising the need for 24/7 power supply solutions. Solar, wind and battery storage have dominated new power installations but data centers need a steady supply of power both day and night, requiring either dispatchable power plants or a combination of generation technologies. The growing use of electric vehicles will also require more overnight power supply as owners take advantage of lower power prices. Power demand from data centers is predicted to reach 325 to 580 TWh in 2028, compared with 176 TWh in 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) said in December. Data centers are representing a growing share of power demand, shifting the overall shape of demand and opening up new opportunities for power generators. Virginia has the greatest concentration of data centers, hosting 536 facilities of which the vast majority are in a tiny area just west of Washington DC, according to the Data Center Map website. By 2030, data centers will require 50% of Virginia's power generation, compared with 26% in 2023, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) said. Solar and wind are the cheapest form of power in many parts of the U.S. but the rising need for 24/7 power has spurred a flurry of new gas-fired power generation projects. In one example, Entergy plans to build its first gas-fired plant in Mississippi for half a century and the 754 MW facility is set to supply Amazon data centers from 2028. CHART: US planned power generation installations in 2025 For renewable energy developer RWE Clean Energy, the fundamentals of the U.S. market remain unchanged, Andrew Flanagan, CEO of RWE Clean Energy, told Reuters Events. RWE group owns gas-fired capacity in Europe but is yet to invest in U.S. gas plants. Broad-based demand growth in the coming years will "require the deployment of all available energy resources 'as part of an all-of-the-above energy strategy," Flanagan said. U.S. power demand is set to grow by at least 1.5 to 2.5% per year over the next 15 years, 'driven by data center demand, the relocation of industry and manufacturing back to the U.S. and broad-based electrification,' he said. Join hundreds of senior executives across energy, industry and finance at Reuters Events Global Energy Transition 2025, opens new tab. In one example, Arizona utility Salt River Project (SRP) aims to double the generating capacity on its power system over the next ten years to meet growing demand in the Phoenix metropolitan area, in part due to new data centers, an SRP spokesperson told Reuters Events. SRP has committed to cut carbon emissions by 82% by 2035 in its Integrated System Plan, by adding renewables, energy storage and gas-fired capacity, while retiring 1,300 MW of coal capacity. Dispatchable power Utilities and developers are seeking to build gas-fired plants to supply data centers as 'firm capacity is valued more than intermittent capacity," Patrick Finn, Senior Analyst, North America Power Markets at Wood Mackenzie, told Reuters Events. Blackstone Energy Transition Partners announced in January that it would acquire Potomac Energy Center, a 774 MW gas plant in Loudoun County, Virginia to supply local data center requirements. The plant is close to 130 existing data centers. Virginia utility Dominion Energy recently lowered its renewable energy forecast to 80% of power production within 15 years, down from 95% previously, and the company is now building a new 1,000 MW gas-fired power plant in Chesterfield County. MAP: Change in US commercial sector power demand by state Despite the surge in gas plant activity, 'renewables are still a valuable piece of the puzzle' so it makes sense for clean power developers to identify areas with large load growth, Finn said. The need for 24/7 supply boosts the business case for battery storage, although the deployment of batteries will face tariff and supply chain challenges as most are imported from China or other Asian countries, Tom Atkinson, Portfolio Manager, AXA Investment Managers, told Reuters Events. Many Big Tech companies have ambitious zero carbon goals but several are also looking to develop new nuclear plants as they seek dispatchable power capability. Anything that provides 'firm and clean capacity would be ideal', including long duration energy storage and nuclear small modular reactors, Finn said. Deployment speed While some utilities are seeking gas-fired power capacity, overall the outlook for clean power developers remains positive as solar and wind are faster to develop, have fewer supply chain constraints, and are cheaper than new gas capacity in much of the U.S., Atkinson said. Tech groups are seeking fast deployment of power resources to meet soaring AI demand and solar and wind can be built faster than gas-fired plants. Some companies are even partnering with power developers to co-locate power generation and data centers and speed up development. To minimise development times, solar and wind developers must find suitable land areas and navigate bottlenecks in grid capacity that can delay grid connections. A lack of skilled labour can also be a challenge. Surging demand from tech groups is accelerating clean power activity - download our exclusive report, opens new tab. President Donald Trump has injected fresh uncertainty into the clean energy sector by freezing federal funds pending a review and issuing policies that promote fossil fuel development, but years of cost reductions in clean power have bolstered the underlying fundamentals. Trump has also thrown his support behind a $500 billion pledge by tech groups and investors to develop infrastructure for AI facilities. Meanwhile, a lot of clean power deployment is being driven at state level, through Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) that require energy providers to supply a stated minimum of zero carbon power. The RPS directives 'remain binding and instruct the technology mix of new capacity," Atkinson said. "We do not think they are vulnerable to federally led change," he said.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former coal mining giant flips the script on its unused land with 'exciting' new partnership: 'This is great to see'
Coal mining operations take up a lot of space. Even if they are taken out of commission, they still lie there, dormant. Peabody is looking to change that. The coal giant is repurposing parts of its former mining land in the American Midwest with solar projects through a partnership with leading clean energy company RWE, according to Electrek. Ten projects, spread across Indiana and Illinois, will together generate 5.5 gigawatts of energy, which is no joke. That amount of power could electrify 850,000 homes if all goes according to plan, Electrek reported. For Peabody, once the largest private coal company in the world, the initiative is a chance to gain momentum in the clean energy space and make use of its mining sites. Producing coal also creates a heck of a lot of pollution and is a major contributor to the dangerous overheating of the planet. Solar, on the other hand, gets its power straight from the sun with no mining needed. It's also one of the best ways to save money on electric bills for consumers, businesses, and cities alike. Plus, building the projects on former coal sites means the local benefits of solar energy — construction and engineering jobs, economic investment, and lower utility bills — go toward the communities that once benefited from coal production. Andrew Flanagan, CEO of RWE Clean Energy, said the partnership with Peabody marked "an exciting opportunity to invest in rural regions of Indiana and Illinois," according to Electrek. The way the deal works is that Germany-based RWE is buying a majority share of a solar company founded by Peabody called R3 Renewables. Peabody will keep a 25% share and handle three of the projects, while RWE will take the other seven, Electrek explained. Electrek readers agreed that the move is a win for coal country and the planet, too. Will America someday get all its energy from renewable sources? Yes — very soon Yes — by 2050 Yes — by 2070 Probably never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "Times, they are, a cha-a-a-ngin'," one wrote, quoting the early Bob Dylan song. "This is great to see," another added. "Something measured in GW is something to really pay attention to." Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
