Vena Energy commence construction of 320MW solar facility in Wandoan

Construction on a new solar facility in Wandoan is under way, and is expected to be able to power 120,000 homes by 2027. Here’s how you could score one of 400 jobs the facility will provide during construction.

Up to 400 jobs will be created across the Western Downs with Vena Energy commencing construction of a 320MW solar facility in Wandoan.

Part of expansions to the Wandoan South Project, the Wandoan South Solar 2 will produce approximately 700GWh of clean energy annually, enough to power around 120,000 Queensland households and is expected to be operational by mid-2027.

Head of Australia at Vena Energy, Owen Sela, said the new solar facility showed their commitment to adopting renewable energy.

“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,” Mr Sela said in a press release.

“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.

“We are equally committed to creating economic opportunities for local businesses, ensuring the broader region actively participates in and benefits from the project’s success.”

Wandoan solar expansion

Vena also secured a long-term power purchase agreement with energy retailer CleanCo, allowing them to supply renewable energy to some of Queensland’s largest employers.

“We are proud to join with Vena Energy on Wandoan South Solar 2, helping to bring this exciting project to life,” CleanCo chief executive Tom Metcalfe said in a press release.

“With construction now getting under way, 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.

“Wandoan South Solar 2 will offer numerous opportunities for local communities, with significant economic benefits expected to flow to Queensland-based SMEs during construction.”

Vena Energy and GRS will host job application days in Miles, Wandoan and Chinchilla between April 29 and May 1 with the workforce expected to reach up to 400 people during peak construction.