Vena Energy, a leading green energy solutions provider in the Asia-Pacific region, has set a new benchmark in Australia’s renewable energy landscape with the successful commissioning of the Tailem Bend 2 Hybrid Project. This landmark greenfield solar and battery energy project represents the largest utility-scale hybrid renewable facility with a single connection to the National Electricity Market (NEM). 

Situated 90km southeast of Adelaide, the final milestone of the Tailem Bend 2 Hybrid Project is a newly commissioned 41.5 MW^[1] Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) which complements an existing 87 MW solar farm, achieving a total capacity of 128.5 MW. The project’s cutting-edge design allows the solar and battery components to operate independently while sharing a single grid connection—a groundbreaking feature for utility-scale renewable energy projects in Australia. 

“This hybrid configuration redefines operational flexibility,” said Owen Sela, Head of Australia in Vena Energy.  

“Our system enables simultaneous export of solar power to the grid and independent operation of the battery for energy export or storage. By optimising existing grid infrastructure, we are enabling renewable energy to be dispatched when needed, delivering cost-effective power to South Australia.   

“This ability to store surplus energy and meet high-demand periods advances our mission to accelerate the energy transition, while ensuring communities benefit from a smarter, more resilient energy system that supports the state’s 2030 emissions targets and Australia’s net zero future.” 

With the capacity to power over 38,000 homes^[2] annually and avoid nearly 222,800 tons of greenhouse gas emissions, Tailem Bend 2 contributes significantly to a sustainable future. Advanced technologies, such as bi-facial solar panels mounted on tracking systems which capture both direct and reflected sunlight, enhance the solar farm’s efficiency. 

The project demonstrated strong local engagement across both facilities. The solar farm construction saw approximately 50% of its workforce sourced from the local region, including Tailem Bend, Murray Bridge and surrounding areas, with an additional 35% from within South Australia during peak construction periods. The solar workforce also achieved notable diversity outcomes, with 10% of workers identifying as First Nations and 14% being female. The BESS construction, while involving a smaller specialised team, maintained a commitment to local content with 25% of its workforce, including key management roles and civil contractors, sourced from South Australia. 

The Tailem Bend 2 Hybrid Project expands Vena Energy’s renewable energy generation capacity at Tailem Bend. It is located adjacent to the 95 MW Tailem Bend 1 Solar Farm, which began operations in early 2019 as South Australia’s second large-scale solar photovoltaic project. Together, the two solar projects deliver a combined capacity of 182 MW, which increases to 223.5 MW with the integration of battery storage at Tailem Bend 2. 

Additionally, Vena Energy has secured approval for another Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Tailem Bend. This will enable up to 204 MW / 408 MWh of renewable energy storage, sourced directly from the grid. This expansion underscores Vena Energy’s commitment to strengthening energy resilience and advancing South Australia’s 2030 emission reduction goal and Australia’s 2050 net-zero target.