Hillclimber Solar & Storage

Project introduction

Hillclimber Solar & Storage is a state-of-the-art energy addition located in Champaign County, Ohio, designed to support America’s growing demand for reliable, locally produced power. The project encompasses a 116.5 MW solar farm paired with a 40 MW battery energy storage system—an integrated solution capable of powering more than 18,000 homes across the region. Slated to begin operations in 2029, Hillclimber Solar & Storage represents a substantial investment in both technological innovation and the economic health of the local community.

Currently under development, Hillclimber Solar & Storage demonstrates RWE’s commitment as a national leader in clean energy. RWE Clean Energy, the third-largest renewable energy company in the U.S., is actively broadening its onshore portfolio, supporting grid stability and addressing surging energy needs driven by data centers, American manufacturing, and electrification. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 2,000 U.S. professionals, RWE leverages market-ready solutions that elevate American innovation and energy independence.

Site location

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A key part of RWE’s all-of-the-above energy strategy, Hillclimber Solar & Storage is not about trading one technology for another, but about adding new, reliable energy sources to the grid to support a flourishing U.S. economy. The project’s advanced battery system helps balance supply and demand, making Ohio’s grid more robust in the face of volatile fuel prices and growing consumption. Additionally, RWE’s commitment to operational excellence ensures year-round monitoring and swift response capabilities, safeguarding power delivery for Ohio’s communities and businesses. Hillclimber underscores RWE’s purpose: powering American growth, jobs, and opportunity with clean and dependable homegrown energy solutions 

Status: In development

Facts & figures

00 MW

Solar Capacity

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Storage Capacity

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Homes Powered

$ 00 Million

in local property taxes

$ 00 Million

to champaign county schools

Over 00

construction jobs

Project Benefits

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Driving Local Prosperity

Hillclimber Solar & Storage is a cornerstone of economic investment in Champaign County. Over its lifetime, the project will contribute $8.8 million in property taxes, directly benefiting public services and schools. With more than $6 million routed to champaign county schools, the project helps strengthen educational resources for future generations—unlocking opportunities and supporting the community’s long-term resilience.

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Driving Local Prosperity
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Strengthening Grid Reliability

Designed to complement existing agricultural uses and protect local land, Hillclimber Solar & Storage delivers both clean energy and enhanced grid stability. The solar and battery systems work together to produce and store energy that helps shield Ohio consumers from fuel price volatility. This dependable supply is crucial as energy demand increases due to new manufacturing and digital growth across the state.

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Strengthening Grid Reliability
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Healthier Communities Through Innovation

The project leads the way in reducing harmful air pollution by an estimated 261,050 pounds annually, cutting emissions such as NOx, SO2, and particulates. As a result, Champaign County communities benefit from cleaner air and $10.2 million in annual public health savings. RWE’s advanced operations keep the facility virtually silent outside the fence line, ensuring both a positive environmental legacy and a peaceful neighboring atmosphere.

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Healthier Communities Through Innovation

Stronger Electric Grid

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Reinforcing Energy Independence & Grid Stability

Hillclimber Solar & Storage is engineered to make Ohio’s power grid more secure and resilient. By integrating 116.5 MW of solar capacity with a 40 MW battery storage system, the project adds valuable, flexible resources that support grid reliability—especially when energy demand surges or traditional sources become strained. RWE’s centrally monitored system operates 24/7, helping utilities manage power flows, quickly respond to outages, and maintain consistent service for businesses and households alike.

As American energy needs accelerate and manufacturing expands, Hillclimber helps meet rising demand without relying on foreign fuel sources. The project’s battery system absorbs and redistributes electricity as needed, bolstering local infrastructure and reducing the risk of price shocks or blackouts. This proactive investment in grid modernization means greater stability for all Ohioans and ensures that local families and businesses have access to affordable, dependable power—today and in the future 

Protecting the Environment and the Community

Hillclimber Solar & Storage is more than an energy project: it’s a long-term engine of opportunity, embodying RWE’s vision for American-made power that creates jobs, drives economic growth, and supports rural communities. As a top-tier developer and operator, RWE prioritizes investments that generate trustworthy, clean energy while bolstering local tax bases, enhancing school funding, and delivering broader social benefits.

With hundreds of construction jobs and permanent local positions, Hillclimber fosters workforce development and primes the region for continued prosperity. The economic gains are direct—through millions invested in public infrastructure—and indirect, supporting local businesses and sparking growth in U.S. manufacturing. The substantial water conservation achieved (127.6 million gallons annually) further positions Ohio as a leader in resource-smart energy production.

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