Works commence on 320MW Wandoan South Solar 2 project

Vena Energy is expanding its Wandoan South Project in Queensland’s Western Downs region, with construction now underway on Wandoan South Solar 2. 

This follows the signing of a long-term power purchase agreement with CleanCo, which will boost the supply of renewable energy to Queensland’s largest employers and support their decarbonisation goals. This agreement will also help the State reach its clean energy future. 

“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,” CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe said. 

The Wandoan South Solar 2 project will have a capacity of 320MW, which will generate up to 700GWh of clean energy each year – enough to power 120,000 average Queensland households. This solar farm is expected to be operational in mid-2027. 

This renewable energy project builds on the already operational Wandoan South Solar 1 and Wandoan South Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) developments. 

Project map (source: Vena Energy)

The Wandoan South Solar 2 will connect to Powerlink’s Wandoan South Substation south of the project site. 

The solar farm is located about 21 kilometres southwest of Wandoan township and can be accessed via Gadsbys Road in Woleebee. 

“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. 

“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. 

“With this expansion, we are building on our foundations of open engagement with the Iman People, resulting in co-designed cultural practices that respect their connection to Country. We are equally committed to creating economic opportunities for local businesses, ensuring the broader region actively participated in and benefits from the project’s success,” Vena Energy Head of Australia Owen Sela said. 

Vena Energy has awarded the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract for the Wandoan South Solar 2 project to GRS. The company will be overseeing the installation of more than 450,000 solar photovoltaic modules at the project site. 

Approximately 400 jobs are expected to be generated during the construction phase, with opportunities for local and First Nations communities. 

“Wandoan South Solar 2 will offer numerous opportunities for local communities, with significant economic benefits expected to flow to Queensland-based SMEs during construction. We are convinced that our close collaboration with stakeholders will ensure the successful completion of the project, contributing to a sustainable future,” GRS Managing Director Jose Miguel Plaza said. 

Source: Vena Energy (1, 2); Renew Economy; PV Magazine Australia; Renewables Now