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By HARRY CLARKE
CONSTRUCTION of a 125 MW solar farm on Queensland’s Western Downs, backed by the world’s fifth largest company, has begun feeding renewable energy into the national grid.
Vena Energy partnered with global technology giant Amazon, founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos (pictured), to deliver the Amazon Solar Project Australia – Wandoan.
The project comprises 250,000 photovoltaic solar panels and is expected to generate enough electricity to power 60,000 Australian homes.
WATCH: Aerial views of the Amazon Solar Farm – Wandoan
“Amazon is on a path to power our operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025, and we’re proud to deliver new solar and wind projects in Australia, driving strong sustainability outcomes for our customers and local communities,” said Ken Haig, Head of Energy and Environment Policy, Asia Pacific & Japan, Amazon Web Services (pictured).
“For more than a decade, Amazon has invested billions of dollars in Australia, and today’s announcement demonstrates our continued investment in Australia’s future.
“As the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy, our investment in our renewable energy projects, including the Wandoan project, helps deliver clean energy to local grids, creates new jobs, and supports local businesses.”
Amazon Solar Project Australia – Wandoan is owned and operated by Vena Energy and is a part of the company’s broader Wandoan South Project, approved for 650 MW solar and 450 MW battery storage.
Construction of the facility supported 220 jobs and 30 percent of workers were local to the Western Downs region.
The project has brought Amazon’s total investment in renewable energy in Australia to $467 million, and brought Vena Energy’s total renewable energy portfolio in Australia to 407 MW.
Vena’s portfolio includes the 100 MW/150 megawatt-hours (MWh) Wandoan South Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), the first utility-scale battery in Queensland and one of the largest in Australia.
“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,” said Nitin Apte, CEO of Vena Energy (pictured).
“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 in collaboration with Amazon, not only generates clean energy but also fosters local economic growth, creating jobs and supporting businesses.
The entire Wandoan South Project will provide in excess of 1,000 gigawatt-hours of renewable energy annually to the Western Downs region.
This project includes the Amazon Solar Project Australia – Wandoan, the proposed Wandoan South Solar 2, and ancillary support from Queensland’s largest utility scale battery, the Wandoan South Battery Energy Storage System.
Queensland energy minister Mick de Brenni said: “As leaders in Australia’s clean energy transition, Queensland is committed to partnering with international business and industry to deliver local growth.”
“This announcement by Amazon and Vena Energy is further testament to the viability of our state for investment in renewable energy,” he said.