Singapore-based Vena Energy and global e-commerce giant Amazon have jointly announced the commencement of commercial operations for a 125MW solar project in Queensland, Australia, on February 7.
Vena Energy, known for its regional focus on developing renewable energy projects, is the owner and operator of the power plant situated near Wandoan, approximately 400km northwest of Brisbane, as per statements released by both companies.
Amazon, committed to powering its operations entirely with green energy by 2025, serves as the long-term off-taker for the project’s electricity. The Amazon Solar Project Australia – Wandoan, as it is officially named, is one of seven renewable energy ventures undertaken by Amazon in Australia.
This solar endeavor is projected to produce enough renewable energy to supply electricity to over 60,000 Australian households, boasting a configuration comprising more than 250,000 solar panels.
Expressing enthusiasm for the milestone, Mr. Nitin Apte, CEO of Vena Energy, remarked, “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 project marks the first of two large-scale solar ventures spearheaded by Vena Energy in the region. The second project, Wandoan South Solar 2, slated to be 525MW in capacity, is anticipated to commence commercial operations by late 2026.
Regarding the Wandoan South Solar 2 project, Vena Energy stated, “The remaining approved capacity of the Wandoan South Project will be developed in stages. We are currently finalizing the design and layout. We’re currently engaging with a number of interested counterparts for the offtake of the project,” in a separate statement to The Straits Times.
Additionally, Vena Energy operates the Wandoan South Battery Energy Storage System, which has a capacity of 100 MW/150 megawatt-hours, with plans for expansion to 450MW already approved.
In Australia alone, Vena Energy boasts a renewable energy pipeline totaling around 6 gigawatts (GW) alongside an additional 1.3GW of projects in advanced stages of development, including the Wandoan South Solar 2 project.
The company maintains an extensive portfolio across the Asia-Pacific region, encompassing a total of 45GW of solar, onshore and offshore wind, and battery storage projects, according to its latest disclosures.