Photo: RWE
Rivian will power its DC fast-charging network through renewable energy company RWE's Champion Wind farm in Texas.
The two companies recently signed a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for electricity from RWE's Champion Wind renewables in Nolan and Mitchell counties, west of Abilene.
The 127 (MW) Champion Wind gets new turbine nacelles and blades, which will extend the life of the wind farm. Commissioned in 2008, the wind farm is expected to be fully developed by mid-2025. Once the wind farm is back online, it will be able to generate enough electricity to power nearly 1 billion miles of renewable driving every year in Rivian, or the equivalent of powering 36,000 homes a year in Texas.
This wind power is set to support Rivian's fast-paced DC Adventure Network with renewable energy. Rivian has set a specific goal of powering 7 billion miles of renewable driving.
Paul Frey, Rivian's VP of propulsion, charger & adventure products, said, “Champion Wind helps Rivian drivers become active participants in building a cleaner grid every time they charge their cars. This project demonstrates the potential to effectively decarbonize and support a circular economy through the reuse and renewal of existing infrastructure, while maintaining a highly competitive economy.”
Siemens Gamesa is supplying 41 turbines with new nacelles and blades on existing towers. The nacelles and blades are manufactured in the US. Additionally, as part of the energy renewal project, new Siemens Gamesa wind turbines rated at 3.1 MW each will also be added to the wind farm.
Discarded wind turbine blades from Champion will be recycled. RWE is working with REGEN Fiber, an Iowa-based company that recycles wind turbine blades to make reinforcing fibers for the construction industry. Those fibers are then used in concrete to add strength and durability, extending the life of the infrastructure.
RWE is the third largest renewable energy company in the US.
Read more: This renewable energy giant will use wooden wind turbine towers
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