Amazon Commits to Queensland Solar Farm for Renewable Energy

Amazon Signs Long-Term Energy Deal with Wandoan South Solar Farm in Queensland

The Wandoan South solar farm in Woleebee, Queensland, has officially commenced commercial operations, according to owner-operator Vena Energy. The milestone was announced alongside the news that global tech giant Amazon has signed a long-term energy off-take agreement with the project. The solar farm, now known as the Amazon Solar Farm Australia – Wandoan, is part of Vena Energy’s larger Wandoan South Project, which has approval for a total of 650MW solar and 450MW battery storage. The first stage of the project, a 100MW/150MWh grid-scale battery, has been operational since August 2022, making it Queensland’s first of its kind.

For Amazon, this power purchase agreement (PPA) marks its first venture into renewable energy in Queensland. The company has set a target to source 100% of its energy supply from renewables by 2025. The Wandoan PPA adds to Amazon’s existing contracts with two operational solar farms in New South Wales, a wind farm in Victoria, and three rooftop solar projects in Melbourne and Sydney.

Ken Haig, head of energy and environment policy, Asia Pacific & Japan, for Amazon Web Services, stated, “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.”

The deal between Amazon and Vena Energy highlights the appeal of Queensland to major investors in renewable energy, according to Queensland energy minister Mick de Brenni. He stated, “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 Amazon-backed solar farm brings Vena Energy’s operational renewables portfolio in Australia to 407MW, including the Wandoan South battery. The company also has a pipeline of around 6GW, which includes 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.

Vena Energy CEO Nitin Apte expressed the company’s dedication to creating a cleaner and more sustainable future for Australia. He said, “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 Queensland’s renewable energy transition, working hand in hand with local communities to unlock the full potential of a greener and more sustainable tomorrow.”

The construction of the Amazon Solar Farm supported approximately 220 jobs, with 30% of the workers coming from the local area during the initial phase of the construction program. Local services accounted for over 15% of the project’s awarded contracts.

Sophie Vorrath is the editor of One Step Off The Grid and deputy editor of its sister site, Renew Economy. She has been writing about clean energy for over a decade.