The German energy giant RWE is actively reshaping its business, with two significant developments on a single day highlighting its transition. These moves underscore a dual strategy of decommissioning legacy assets while committing to next-generation energy research.
Stock Performance and Strategic Context
Investors have responded positively to the company’s direction. RWE shares are trading near their recent peak, closing at €53.82 on Thursday. This price sits just 1.25% below the 52-week high of €54.50, recorded on February 25, 2026. This market position provides a backdrop for the substantive operational news.
A Symbol of the Past Makes Way for a Digital Future
In a visible step away from fossil fuels, RWE demolished a 117-meter-high cooling tower at
The future use of the land is the critical element. RWE plans to transform the approximately 70-hectare area into a hub for digital innovation. Dubbed the “Nordgelände,” the site is scheduled for handover in a construction-ready state by mid-2028. Proposed developments include a data center for IT.NRW spanning over 20,000 square meters, an innovation campus focused on IT security for public administration, and a heritage trail commemorating the site’s industrial history.
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A Billion-Euro Bet on Fusion Energy
Concurrently, RWE is positioning itself in advanced energy technologies. Also on February 26, a declaration of intent was signed for the “Alpha” fusion research reactor in Garching, near Munich. The agreement involves the State of Bavaria, Proxima Fusion, and the Max Planck Institute.
The project’s scale is well-defined, with total costs estimated at €2 billion. The funding breakdown outlines a €400 million contribution from Bavaria, with private investors expected to provide another €400 million through Proxima Fusion. Project partners are additionally seeking over €1 billion in federal funding. The targeted timeline for completion and commissioning in Garching is six to seven years. The subsequent phase envisions a commercial reactor, “Stellaris,” at the former Gundremmingen nuclear power plant site.
Political Hurdles Emerge
The strategy is not without friction. The Bavarian fusion initiative has faced public criticism from representatives of Bündnis 90/Die Grünen and Greenpeace. Critics have labeled the plans as unserious and a waste of taxpayer money. This opposition introduces political acceptance, particularly concerning potential federal subsidies, as a factor alongside the technical and financial challenges.
In summary, the events of February 26 illustrate two facets of RWE’s evolving strategy. The company is clearing space for digital infrastructure in Frimmersdorf while simultaneously laying the groundwork for the long-term “Alpha” fusion research project in Bavaria—a venture with explicitly stated €2 billion costs and a six-to-seven-year operational target.
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