Amazon and Vena Energy have announced the commercial operation of a new 125MW renewable energy project in Woleebee, Queensland.
Consisting of over 250,000 solar photovoltaic panels, the Amazon Solar Project Australia — Wandoan is expected to generate enough renewable energy to power more than 60,000 Australian homes each year.
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Amazon Solar Project Australia — Wandoan is owned and operated by Vena Energy, and is part of the Wandoan South Project approved for 650MW solar and 450MW battery storage.
Since 2016, Vena Energy has successfully commissioned an operational portfolio totalling 407MW, including the 100MW/150MWh Wandoan South Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), the first utility-scale battery in Queensland and one of the largest in Australia.
As of June 2023, Vena Energy has a renewable energy pipeline amounting to approximately 6GW in Australia, consisting of a 128.5MW hybrid solar-and-energy storage project currently under construction, and a further 1.3GW of projects under advance development, including the Wandoan South Solar 2, which is forecasted to achieve commercial operation by Q3 2026.
Vena Energy CEO Nitin Apte said, “We are thrilled to mark a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainable energy with the successful commercial operation of the Amazon Solar Project Australia — Wandoan.
“As Vena Energy continues to lead the way in the renewable energy landscape in Asia Pacific, this Project exemplifies our dedication to creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for Australia. By harnessing the power of over 250,000 solar photovoltaic panels, the project not only generates clean energy but also fosters local economic growth, creating jobs and supporting businesses. We are proud to play a pivotal role in the Queensland’s renewable energy transition, working hand in hand with local communities to unlock the full potential of a greener and more sustainable tomorrow.”
Related article: Queensland’s Wandoan South battery begins operation
Amazon now has seven renewable energy projects in Australia, which are helping power Amazon’s Australian operations, including Amazon data centres, and fulfilment centres, while also providing new sources of clean power to local communities and the East Coast grid.
The Wandoan project is Amazon’s first renewable energy project in Queensland. Amazon’s other projects include two operational solar farms in Suntop and Gunnedah in New South Wales, a wind farm in Hawkesdale, Victoria, and three rooftop solar projects on Amazon facilities in Melbourne and Sydney.
