Queensland solar farm locks in global tech giant Amazon as energy off-taker

The 125MW Wandoan South solar farm in Woleebee in Queensland’s Western Downs region has kicked off commercial operations, a milestone announced on Wednesday by owner-operator Vena Energy alongside the news that global tech giant Amazon has signed up to be the main long-term energy off-taker for the project.

The Wandoan South project, now called the Amazon Solar Farm Australia – Wondoan, is part of Vena Energy’s giga-scale Wandoan South Project, which is approved for a total of 650MW solar and 450MW battery storage – the first 100MW/150MWh stage of which has been in operation since August 2022, as Queensland’s first grid-scale battery.

For Amazon – which has a target to source 100 per cent of its energy supply from renewables by 2025 – the Wandoan PPA marks its first renewables foray in Queensland, and adds to contracts with two operational solar farms in Suntop and Gunnedah in New South Wales, a wind farm in Hawkesdale in Victoria, and three rooftop solar projects on Amazon facilities in Melbourne and Sydney.

“Today’s announcement demonstrates our continued investment in Australia’s future,” said Ken Haig, head of energy and environment policy, Asia Pacific & Japan, for Amazon Web Services.

“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.”

Queensland energy minister Mick de Brenni said the deal between Amazon and Vena Energy was testament to the appeal of the Sunshine State to major investors in renewable energy.

“Queensland’s legendary renewable resources, publicly-owned energy system and world-class Energy and Jobs Plan provide a strong foundation for investment, and the Amazon Solar Farm is the latest renewable energy project to come online as a result,” the minister said on Wednesday.

For Vena Energy, the Amazon-backed solar takes the company’s Australian portfolio of operational renewables to 407MW, including the the Wandoan South battery. Still to come is a pipeline of around 6GW, including a 128.5MW hybrid solar and storage project currently under construction, and a further 1.3GW of projects under advanced development, including the Wandoan South Solar 2. 

“This project exemplifies our dedication to creating a cleaner, more sustainable future for Australia,” said Vena Energy CEO Nitin Apte.

“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.

“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.”

Vena Energy says the Amazon Solar Farm supported up to around 220 jobs during construction, with 30% of the workers drawn from the local area during the initial phase of the construction program, while local services accounted for more than 15% of the project’s awarded contracts.