RWE is launching a endowment fund to support local initiatives across France. With this program, RWE aims to strengthen the connection between renewable energy production and local communities. By the end of 2024, the fund will be deployed in every French region where RWE operates wind or solar farms. The concept is straightforward: RWE’s operational assets will contribute up to €2,000 per megawatt (MW) per year. This locally focused fund will support community projects through a call for proposals, allowing local associations to submit projects that reflect their community’s needs and aspirations. The goal is to ensure the value created by renewable energy benefits the regions that host these projects.
Joseph Fonio, Chairman at RWE Renouvelables France : « With this endowment fund, RWE is actively committed to sharing value with the communities that host our projects. By providing financial support to local initiatives that promote the ecological transition, the fund serves two important goals: delivering tangible benefits to local residents and amplifying our efforts toward a greener future.»
Supporting projects to promote local development in France
In practice, RWE will finance its fund based on the capacity of its solar and wind farms, and will launch regional calls for proposals. Local associations can submit projects focused on ecological transition, such as enhancing local heritage (e.g., renovations, educational trails), preserving biodiversity (e.g., awareness campaigns, installing birdhouses), or promoting energy transition (e.g., energy-saving initiatives). Each year, regional committees made up of RWE employees and external experts will select the winning projects.
RWE: a mission-driven company
In France, RWE is a mission-driven company with four key objectives, including sharing the value created by renewable projects with local stakeholders. With its endowment fund, RWE is reaffirming its commitment to value sharing, complementing other local initiatives such as local electricity offers and crowdfunding campaigns. The endowment fund aligns perfectly with this vision by providing financial support to local projects and ensuring tangible benefits for the communities involved.