The 98 MW Union Ridge Solar Farm by RWE in Licking County, Ohio to Bring Millions to Local Economy

Union Ridge Solar Farm is a utility-scale solar energy project under construction in Harrison Township, Licking County, Ohio by RWE Clean Energy. This is after its acquisition from Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) in late 2024. The facility will deliver 98 megawatts (MWac) of renewable power across 550 acres of privately-owned land. Union Ridge will connect to 138 kV Kirk substation and generate 210,000–225,000 MWh per year for the regional grid.

Additionally, on-site construction began in early 2025 and is expected to employ around 280 workers at peak, create approximately $68 million in local economic activity, and contribute more than $35 million in long-term tax revenue for Harrison Township, Southwest Licking Local School District, and other county programs.

RWE and its main construction partner MasTec Renewables are also working with local craft unions including the Laborers’ International Union of North America, International Union of Operating Engineers, and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. This is as well as continuing a workforce training partnership with the Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County (C-TEC) to strengthen Ohio’s solar labor base. This is especially important as more projects go through the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) application process where some like Crossroads Solar Project in Morrow County fall short of luck.

RWE Breaks Ground on 98 MWac Union Ridge Solar Farm in Licking County, Ohio

Reported May 13, 2025 – RWE, the third-largest renewable energy company in the United States, has commenced onsite construction of the Union Ridge Solar project – a 98 megawatt-ac (MWac) solar farm located in Licking County, Ohio. This marks RWE’s second solar farm in the state, strengthening its footprint in the Buckeye State’s growing clean energy sector.

The Union Ridge project was acquired from Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) in the fall of 2024 and represents a key milestone in RWE’s ongoing national expansion.

Driving Local Economic Impact

During construction, Union Ridge is expected to generate approximately $68 million in new economic activity for Licking County. This includes the direct employment of around 280 workers at peak construction, their wages and benefits, increased spending on local goods and services, and local sales tax revenues.

The project is also projected to contribute over $35 million in long-term revenue to local schools and county programs over its lifetime.

Partnering with Local Union Labor

RWE and its construction partner, MasTec Renewables, are emphasizing the use of skilled union labor for this utility-scale project. Together, they are working closely with several labor organizations including:

This collaboration aims to tap into Ohio’s experienced craft workforce and ensure the project delivers both clean energy and high-quality job opportunities for local residents.

Kevin Kroll, Chief Operating Officer at RWE Clean Energy, emphasized the project’s community benefits: “Our Union Ridge project is an example of how we partner with leading American companies to bring job growth and critical economic activity to communities across America with our homegrown energy.”

Mike Flynn, Senior Vice President of Operations at MasTec Renewables, echoed the sentiment: “We’re proud to work alongside RWE in driving the clean energy transition while simultaneously bolstering local economies and providing valuable career opportunities for Ohioans.”

Investing in Ohio’s Clean Energy Workforce

Union Ridge also builds on an educational partnership with C-TEC (Career and Technology Education Centers) of Licking County, a collaboration initially supported by LRE. Through this initiative, students are gaining hands-on training for careers in renewable energy – a step toward building a sustainable, skilled workforce for Ohio’s energy future.

John Wieland, Chief Development Officer at LRE, noted: “We look forward to this Union Ridge Solar program paving the way for future generations across Ohio to find good-paying careers in renewable energy.”

Expanding Renewable Capacity in the State

RWE currently operates approximately 400 MW of wind and solar assets across Ohio. With Union Ridge under construction, the company is on track to increase its total in-state capacity to nearly 500 MW – enough to power more than 118,000 average homes annually.

RWE Union Ridge Solar Farm

RWE Union Ridge Solar Project Factsheet

Project Overview

Developer: RWE (third-largest renewable energy company in US)

Location: Licking County, Ohio

Capacity: 98 megawatt-ac (MWac)

Status: Under construction

Prior Owner: Acquired from Leeward Renewable Energy (Fall 2024)

Significance: RWE’s second solar farm in Ohio

Economic Benefits

$68 million in new economic activity for Licking County

280 workers employed at peak construction

Over $35 million in long-term revenue for local schools and county programs

Workforce Development

Partnership with MasTec Renewables as construction partner

Collaboration with union labor organizations:

Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA)

International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)

Educational partnership with C-TEC of Licking County to train future renewable energy workforce

RWE’s Ohio Presence

Currently operates 400 MW of wind and solar assets in Ohio

Union Ridge will increase total in-state capacity to nearly 500 MW

Will power approximately 118,000 average homes annually

Construction Review