Hillclimber Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of global energy company RWE, has proposed plans to build a large-scale solar and battery storage project in western Champaign County. The point of intersection is in Urbana Township, approximately 5 miles southeast of downtown Urbana.
The Hillclimber Solar Project hopes to include a 116.5 megawatt solar farm and a 40 megawatt battery energy storage system, spread across approximately 1,094 acres. A coverage map has been attached below:
Hillclimber Solar has filed two documents: one for pre-approval and a notice of compliance with the Ohio Power Siting Board. Those documents are available for public viewing and can be found using the link below:
https://dis.puc.state.oh.us/CaseRecord.aspx?CaseNo=25-0904-EL-BGN
According to RWE, once completed, the project is expected to power over 18,000 homes annually while reducing air pollution and conserving water. Construction hopes to begin in spring 2028, with commercial operations expected to start in fall 2029.
RWE claims the project will generate $8.8 million in tax revenue over its lifetime, with $6 million going to local schools. The organization also believes it will create jobs during construction and operation, while helping reduce harmful emissions and saving an estimated 127.6 million gallons of water each year.
The company wants to actively engage residents and stakeholders to incorporate community feedback into the project design. RWE intends to address key local concerns, such as drain tile, road use, and visual and sound screening, while contributing to Ohio’s growing power needs, as recognized by the bipartisan passage of House Bill 15 earlier this year.
Project Developer Hackett Landefeld offered the following statement about the project:
“RWE’s Hillclimber Solar & Storage is a 116.5 MW solar farm and 40 MW battery storage project under development in Champaign County, Ohio. This state-of-the-art energy solution is designed to support the state’s growing demand for reliable, locally produced power.
“Hillclimber Solar & Storage represents a substantial investment in both technological innovation and the economic health of the local community. Once operational, the project will generate enough electricity to power 15,000 homes in Ohio and provide up to $44 million in tax revenue to Urbana Township and Champaign County, including up to $30 million to Urbana City Schools, over its lifetime.”
– Hackett Landefeld, Hillclimber Solar Energy Developer
As part of the review process, Hillclimber Solar is hosting a public informational meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Brown Ridge Hall, located at 220 E Court Street in Urbana. The meeting will follow an open house format where community members can view project maps and speak directly with company representatives.
For more information about the project, visit the RWE website HERE, or contact Mr. Landefeld ([email protected]) and Patricia Kakridas ([email protected]).
RWE is a leading German energy company that has transformed into a global renewables powerhouse, focusing on wind, solar, battery storage, and green hydrogen. In the U.S., where it operates as RWE Clean Energy, the company manages many projects that include battery storage systems like Bright Arrow (Texas), Mesquite 4 (Arizona), and Crowned Heron 1 & 2 (Texas). In 2024, RWE completed nearly 1 GW of solar, wind, and storage projects. It’s also partnering with Peabody Energy to build over 5 GW of solar and battery capacity on reclaimed mine lands, aiming for 6 GW of global battery storage by 2030.
