Amazon, Vena Energy power up Amazon Solar Project Australia – Wandoan

Amazon and Vena Energy have announced the commencement of commercial operations for the Amazon Solar Project Australia – Wandoan, a new 125-megawatt (MW) renewable energy project in Woleebee, Queensland. Equipped with over 250,000 solar photovoltaic panels, this significant initiative is set to generate sufficient renewable energy to power more than 60,000 Australian homes annually, marking a pivotal step in the country’s clean energy journey.

Ken Haig, Head of Energy and Environment Policy, Asia Pacific & Japan at Amazon Web Services, emphasized Amazon’s commitment to powering its operations entirely with renewable energy by 2025. He stated, “Amazon is proud to deliver new solar and wind projects in Australia, driving strong sustainability outcomes for our customers and local communities.” He further highlighted Amazon’s decade-long investment in Australia, underscoring the Wandoan project’s role in delivering clean energy, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses.

The Wandoan South Project, owned and operated by Vena Energy, forms part of a larger initiative approved for 650 MW of solar and 450 MW of battery storage. This project has generated approximately 220 jobs at its peak construction phase, with a significant portion of the workforce coming from the local region. It has notably engaged local services for over 15% of the project’s contracts, contributing to the economic upliftment of Queensland.

Amazon Solar Project Australia – Wandoan : Amazon and Vena Energy Launch 125-MW Solar Project in Queensland

Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni, lauded the announcement, viewing it as evidence of the state’s attractiveness for renewable energy investment. He remarked, “Today’s announcement by Amazon and Vena Energy is further testament to the viability of our state for investment in renewable energy,” highlighting Queensland’s advantageous renewable resources and publicly-owned energy system.

Vena Energy, a leader in the Asia Pacific renewable energy sector, has an operational portfolio of 407 MW in Australia, including the region’s first utility-scale battery. The company’s renewable energy pipeline in Australia approximates 6 GW, with ongoing and upcoming projects poised to further Australia’s clean energy objectives.

Nitin Apte, CEO of Vena Energy, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s role in promoting sustainable energy and fostering local economic growth. He 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.”

The Wandoan project is Amazon’s first renewable energy venture in Queensland and contributes to a portfolio that includes solar farms in Suntop and Gunnedah, New South Wales, a wind farm in Hawkesdale, Victoria, and rooftop solar projects in Melbourne and Sydney. These projects collectively are set to generate over 1,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean power, aligning with Amazon’s goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2025.