Vena Energy has commissioned a 41.5MW battery energy storage system (BESS) at its Tailem Bend 2 Hybrid Project in South Australia, enhancing the existing 87MW solar PV power plant and boosting the state’s renewable energy capacity.
The Tailem Bend 2 Project: A Milestone for Renewable Energy
By combining solar power generation with energy storage, the Tailem Bend 2 Hybrid Project’s 41.5MW BESS allows the facility to capture surplus renewable energy during periods of low demand and store it for use when demand is high. This innovative solution bolsters grid stability and ensures a more reliable energy supply for local communities.
The project will connect to the National Electricity Market (NEM) via ElectraNet’s Tailem Bend Substation, with power flowing from the Coorong 2 Substation. Vena Energy’s solar-plus-storage design allows the solar PV and battery components to operate independently while sharing a single grid connection, a first of its kind for the Australian market.
Owen Sela, Head of Vena Energy Australia, highlighted the project’s operational flexibility, explaining, “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.”
Supporting Local Communities and the Transition to Net Zero
The Tailem Bend 2 Hybrid Project aligns with South Australia’s ambitious goals for renewable energy and emissions reduction. It plays a crucial role in helping the state meet its 2030 emissions targets and contributes to Australia’s broader net-zero ambitions.
Vena Energy’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy production to providing communities with a smarter, more resilient energy system. By storing surplus energy for later use, the project helps meet local electricity needs during high-demand periods, making renewable energy a more reliable and cost-effective resource.
Vena Energy has secured a long-term agreement with ZEN Energy, which will purchase renewable energy from the Tailem Bend 2 project. The agreement is also supported by the South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy (SACOME) Joint Electricity Purchasing Group, benefiting several local businesses, including Foodland and IGA supermarkets, Viterra and Hillgrove Resources.
Vena Energy’s Growing Portfolio in the Tailem Bend Region
Tailem Bend has become a hotspot for Vena Energy’s renewable energy projects. The company already operates the 95MW Tailem Bend 1 solar PV project, completed in 2019. Once the Tailem Bend 2 project is fully integrated, the combined solar capacity of the two plants will reach 182MW, rising to 223.5MW with the addition of battery storage.
With Vena Energy delivering multiple projects in the region, Tailem Bend has seen significant growth in its renewable energy infrastructure. These developments contribute to South Australia’s ongoing energy transition and reinforce the state’s energy security.
Vena Energy’s investments in renewable energy are accelerating Australia’s transition to a low-carbon future. The Tailem Bend 2 Project exemplifies how solar power and battery storage can work in tandem to create a reliable and flexible energy system. As the company continues to expand its portfolio across Australia, it is poised to play a key role in shaping the country’s energy landscape for years to come.
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