Renewable energy to fuel regional growth

Exciting progress is being made on Vena Energy’s Wandoan South BESS; Queensland’s biggest battery energy storage system, in the Western Downs.

Vena Energy Australia recently reached financial close for the Wandoan South BESS which is capable of discharging up to 100 megawatts and storing 150 megawatt hours of energy, equivalent to powering up to 57,000 Australian homes.

Lance MacManus, General Manager of Energy and Infrastructure at TSBE congratulated Vena Energy on this milestone.

“With so much energy production undertaken in our region, energy storage facilities will provide solutions to trade power into national grids and help with the transition towards renewable energy.”

“The associated infrastructure needed for these types of innovation for the energy industry will continue to grow and ensure the diversity of energy will remain as long-term economic drivers and contributors for our region,” he said.

Construction started in October following the 15-year deal signed by Vena Energy and energy retailer AGL Energy. The Wandoan South BESS will be fully operational in late 2021.

Anil Nangia, Head of Vena Energy Australia said he’s delighted the first stage of the Wandoan South Project is being delivered.

“The Wandoan South BESS represents the first milestone of Vena Energy’s overarching Wandoan South Project, approved to generate up to 650 MW of solar electricity, and 450 MW of energy storage across several stages,” he said.

Vena Energy is also proud to be supporting regional resources and encouraging local employment. Vena Energy expect to reach a peak of 70 staff onsite during construction.