Vena Energy is starting work on the construction of a 320MW solar project in Australia.
The new solar park in Queensland’s Western Downs region follows on from the renewable energy company’s existing Wandoan South Solar 1 project (pictured).
Once operational in mid-2027, Wandoan South Solar 2 will produce approximately 700GWh of clean energy annually, enough to power around 120,000 average Queensland households.
This is equivalent to avoiding approximately 568,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and saving around 490 million litres of water annually compared to conventional thermal energy generation methods.
Wandoan South Solar 2 builds on Vena’s established development clusters in Australia and is part of the company’s 732MW green power and 600MWh battery storage capacity in operation, construction, or contracted stages across the country.
Head of Australia at Vena Energy Owen Sela said the new solar facility marks another step in Vena’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of renewable energy and advancing carbon neutrality while further collaborating with local communities to help build a more sustainable society.
“Wandoan South Solar 2 will play a crucial role in Queensland’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, adding significant renewable generation capacity that will help power the state’s future while supporting Australia’s commitment to net zero by 2050,” he said.
“The broader Wandoan South project has already delivered tangible economic and social benefits.
“It includes Queensland’s first utility-scale 150MWh BESS completed in 2022 and the 168MW Wandoan South Solar 1, which began commercial operation in 2024.”
Vena has secured a long-term power purchase agreement with CleanCo, a low-emission energy retailer, generator and developer backed by the Queensland Government.
The agreement enables CleanCo to supply renewable energy from Wandoan South Solar 2 to some of Queensland’s largest employers, supporting their decarbonisation goals and Queensland’s clean energy future.
CleanCo chief executive Tom Metcalfe said: “We are proud to join with Vena Energy on Wandoan South Solar 2, helping to bring this exciting project to life.
“With construction now getting underway, the solar farm will soon be delivering real benefits for the Western Downs and beyond.
“CleanCo is uniquely positioned as the state’s only pumped hydro operator to store the energy from this project during the day and deliver it to Queenslanders when it’s needed the most during early evening and overnight.
“We are backing an energy future that is affordable, reliable and sustainable, delivering long-term value to customers and communities across the state.”
During peak construction, the workforce is expected to reach up to 400 people, with opportunities for local and First Nations communities.