The Sunflower Projects is the result of a powerful, strategic partnership between RWE and Peabody, uniting world-class clean energy development with deep local roots in the Midwest. Peabody, with its long-standing presence and land stewardship in Indiana and Illinois, brings unmatched experience in reclamation and site preparation. Combined with RWE’s global leadership in solar and storage innovation, this collaboration sets a new standard for renewable energy development on formerly mined land.
RWE has acquired a majority interest in R3 Renewables—originally launched as a joint venture by Peabody alongside Summit Partners and Riverstone Credit Partners. Peabody retains a 25% equity interest and continues to play a central role in the development of these projects.
Together, the partners are repurposing reclaimed mining sites into a pipeline of solar and storage projects totaling more than 5.5 gigawatts of clean energy capacity—enough to power over 850,000 homes. This initiative not only strengthens the regional grid, but also creates local jobs, increases tax revenues, and promotes long-term economic revitalization in communities that have powered America for generations.
