Rivian Partners with RWE’s Champion Wind Farm in Texas to Power its DC Fast-Charging Network
Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has recently announced a partnership with renewable energy company RWE to power its DC fast-charging network with electricity from RWE’s Champion Wind farm in Texas. This collaboration involves a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA) for electricity generated by RWE’s repowered Champion Wind farm located in Nolan and Mitchell counties, west of Abilene.
The Champion Wind farm, with a capacity of 127 megawatts (MW), is undergoing upgrades with new turbine nacelles and blades to extend its lifespan. Originally commissioned in 2008, the wind farm is expected to be fully upgraded by mid-2025. Once operational, the wind farm will be capable of generating enough electricity to power nearly 1 billion miles of renewable driving annually for Rivian, equivalent to powering 36,000 homes in Texas.
Rivian has set a specific goal to enable 7 billion miles of renewable driving through its DC fast-charging Adventure Network. Paul Frey, Rivian’s VP of propulsion, charging & adventure products, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “Champion Wind is a powerful enabler for Rivian drivers to become active participants in building a cleaner grid every time they charge their vehicle.”
Siemens Gamesa is supplying 41 turbines with new nacelles and blades on existing towers for the Champion Wind repowering project. Additionally, six new Siemens Gamesa turbines rated at 3.1 MW each will be added to the wind farm. As part of the repowering effort, decommissioned wind turbine blades from Champion Wind will be repurposed by RWE in collaboration with REGEN Fiber, an Iowa-based company that recycles wind turbine blades for use in the construction industry.
RWE, the third-largest renewable energy company in the US, is committed to sustainability and circular economy practices. The company’s focus on repurposing decommissioned wind turbine blades aligns with its environmental goals.
In conclusion, Rivian’s partnership with RWE’s Champion Wind farm represents a significant step towards decarbonizing the grid and supporting renewable energy initiatives. By integrating renewable energy sources into its operations, Rivian is contributing to a more sustainable future for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
