Amazon and Vena Energy have announced the commencement of commercial operations for a novel 125-megawatt (MW) renewable energy initiative in Woleebee, Queensland. Named the Amazon Solar Project Australia – Wandoan, this venture comprises over 250,000 solar photovoltaic panels and is anticipated to generate ample renewable energy to sustain over 60,000 Australian households annually.
Ken Haig, Head of Energy and Environment Policy, Asia Pacific & Japan at Amazon Web Services, expressed pride in the company’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy for its operations by 2025. Haig highlighted Amazon’s substantial investments in Australia over the past decade, emphasizing the positive environmental and economic impacts of initiatives such as the Wandoan project.
The Wandoan Solar Project falls under the larger Wandoan South Project, approved for 650 MW solar capacity and 450 MW battery storage. Managed by Vena Energy, this initiative has created approximately 220 employment opportunities during peak construction, with a notable emphasis on local workforce engagement and procurement. Queensland Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, Mick de Brenni, hailed the collaboration between international entities like Amazon and local stakeholders, affirming Queensland’s commitment to fostering renewable energy investments.
Nitin Apte, CEO of Vena Energy, lauded the operational launch of the Amazon Solar Project Australia – Wandoan as a significant milestone in advancing sustainable energy goals. Apte underscored Vena Energy’s dedication to driving renewable energy solutions across the Asia Pacific region, emphasizing the project’s contributions to local economic growth and environmental stewardship.
The completed Wandoan South Project is poised to deliver over 1,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean energy annually to the Western Downs Region, encompassing the Amazon Solar Project Australia – Wandoan and other associated ventures. Amazon’s investments in renewable energy projects in Australia have not only powered its operations but have also injected substantial capital into local economies, as evidenced by an estimated AU$467 million in economic investment generated from 2020 to 2022.
Amazon’s broader commitment to renewable energy extends globally, with the company aiming to power its operations entirely with renewable energy by 2025. With over 500 wind and solar projects worldwide, Amazon continues to solidify its position as a leader in corporate sustainability, driving significant reductions in carbon emissions and advancing the transition to a cleaner, greener future.
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