Miles Renewable Project
| Project Name | Miles Renewable Project |
| Technology | Solar Photovoltaic | Battery Energy Storage System |
| Capacity | 500 MW | 500 MW |
| Project Size | 1,110 ha |
| Location | Miles, Queensland |
| Targeted Construction | Q1 2026 |
SECTIONS
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Miles Renewable Project is a large scale photovoltaic solar farm with a generating capacity of up to 500 MW of electricity and a Battery Energy Storage System that will have the capacity of up to 500 MW, capable of providing up to 4 hours of storage. The solar farm will generate electricity which could power approximately 237,000 homes annually, save 970 million litres of water, and reduce CO2 emissions by 1,124,308 tons. This would result in the planting of 18,738,467 trees or taking 244,415 vehicles off the road (June 2024).
The Miles Renewable Project proposes connection to the National Electricity Market via the Columboola Substation, located around 10 km north of the Project site. The Project site is located 6 km south-east of the township of Miles, 36 km west of Chinchilla, and 20 km north-east of Condamine.
The battery energy storage system will operate independently from the solar farm, where the batteries will store energy sourced directly from the electricity grid during periods of lower demand (lower electricity prices) and will discharge (selling the power onto the grid) during periods of high demand and the system is supported by lower rates of generation.
The battery will assist with network stability and facilitating the installation of higher volumes of renewable energy generation into the network. The fast response of the battery will provide frequency control ancillary services to the network and electricity market.
The Project site has been utilised for cattle grazing for approximately 20 years with coal seam gas wells present across the site. Animal grazing activities will remain during the operation of the Project as water supply and feeding infrastructure has been integrated into the Project’s concept design.
Planning Process
The Miles Renewable Project’s development application for a Material Change of Use for a Renewable Energy Facility (Solar Farm) and Major Electricity Infrastructure (Battery Energy Storage System) was submitted in 2023. The application is regulated under the Planning Act 2016 and was assessed by the Western Downs Regional Council, against the Western Downs Planning Scheme 2017 as a code assessable development. The Miles Renewable Project was subject to the below development assessment process and was approved by the Council, in November 2023.
Engagement
Vena Energy is committed to ongoing and genuine engagement with the local community of Miles and our Project stakeholders to build strong relationships and establish a socially sustainable project.
We will continue to engage with neighbours and broaden the consultation effort to include the wider community and stakeholders as the project progresses.
Vena Energy will actively engage with the community and undertake consultation regarding the construction phase of the Project prior to the lead up to commencement of construction works.
Benefits
The importance of renewable energy infrastructure such as solar and wind are at the forefront for achieving Queensland’s goal to transform the energy system. The need for storage within the network is increasingly important as they offer a source of security and reliability, fast becoming increasingly important to the transition to renewable energy generation. The Miles Renewable Project will contribute to Queensland’s rapidly transforming energy system by providing renewable energy and electricity storage, contributing to the Queensland Government’s renewable energy target of 70 per cent renewable energy by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035.
The Miles Renewable Project will provide positive outcomes for the local community through the provision of significant economic stimulus to the region through construction jobs, supplier contracts, and associated flow-on benefits to local businesses and contractors. Vena Energy supports a local procurement policy and will promote participation from local, regional, and Australian suppliers wherever possible. Local purchasing is likely to include a wide range of products and services from fencing contractors, concreters, welders, electricians, plant and equipment operators, transport contractors, and administrators.
Vena Energy have also worked together with the landowner to maintain the agricultural viability across the site by integrating and co-locating agricultural infrastructure to accommodate animal grazing activities.
Employment & PROCUREMENT
Construction of the solar farm is expected to take approximately 18-24 months with 300 construction personnel present on site during the peak period of construction. The construction of the battery will take approximately 18 months with 100 workforce personnel present on site at the peak period of construction. Closer to construction, Vena Energy will provide the community with an invitation to express interest in employment opportunities and the provision of construction and maintenance services.
Approximately 5 full-time staff will be present during the operation of the solar farm, whereas the battery may be unmanned on site and monitored remotely. Additional part-time staff will be required on a regular basis to undertake electrical maintenance, site management and administration, environmental services, weed control, fire management, and site security.
If you would like to register your interest at this preliminary stage, please do so below.
First Name | John |
Last Name | Nemo |
john.nemo@email.com | |
Phone | 07 9876 5432 |
Resume | Option to attach document |
Employment & Procurement
Vena Energy Australia supports a local procurement policy and promotes participation from local, regional, and Australian suppliers wherever possible.
Register your interest below.
Feedback
Vena Energy is committed to delivering world class renewable energy projects that better serve the interests of our stakeholders.
Further to this commitment, we take pride in keeping an open ear, and invite you to get in touch if you have any feedback or require additional project information.
Miles Renewable Project Team
Phone: 1800 841 229
Email: mrp.mailbox@venaenergy.com
Feedback Form: here or via the QR code
