Tailem Bend 2 Hybrid Project
| Project Name | Tailem Bend Hybrid Project |
| Technology | Solar Photovoltaic | Battery Energy Storage System |
| Capacity | Solar 87 MW | BESS 41.5 MW |
| Project Size | 207ha |
| Location | Tailem Bend, South Australia |
| Commercial Operation | Solar: Q4 2023 | BESS: Q4 2024 |
SECTIONS
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Tailem Bend 2 Hybrid Project serves as the second phase of the Tailem Bend Project and is situated alongside the Tailem Bend Solar 1 Project, just south of Substation Road.
The hybrid project combines a second solar farm, a battery energy storage system, and a new bay in the existing Coorong Substation.
The 87 MW solar farm generates enough renewable energy to power the average annual needs of 35,000 Australian, reducing CO2 emissions by over 207,000 tons – equivalent to planting 3.4 million trees. The 41.5 MW battery enhances South Australian grid reliability through energy storage and ancillary services.
The solar farm utilises advanced bifacial panels that capture solar irradiance from both sides, mounted on single-axis trackers that follow the sun’s movement to maximise energy production.
The battery system functions as both a load and generator, storing energy during low demand periods and releasing it during peak demand. It also provides frequency control services to maintain grid stability.
The hybrid project connects to the National Electricity Market via ElectraNet’s Tailem Bend Substation from the Coorong 2 Substation.
Benefits
The Tailem Bend 2 Hybrid Project has a total operational capacity of 128.5 MW derived from the 87 MW solar farm and the 41.5 MW battery energy storage system, where the system will aggregate solar generation and battery storage for the South Australian grid.
Through its local procurement policies, the project delivers economic benefits to Australian communities at local, regional, and national levels throughout its lifecycle.
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 battery 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.
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.
Project Documentation
Feedback
Vena Energy Australia is committed to delivering world class renewable energy projects that better serve the interests of our communities and stakeholders.
Further to this commitment, we take pride in keeping an open ear, so we invite you to get in touch if you have any feedback or require additional project information, please contact us via the platforms below.
Tailem Bend 2 Hybrid Team
Phone: 1800 841 229
Email: tb2sp.mailbox@venaenergy.com
Feedback Form: here or via the QR code:
