A new battery energy storage system (BESS) has been officially launched at the Tailem Bend 2 Hybrid facility, positioned 90km southeast of Adelaide.
This latest addition to the Tailem Bend 2 Hybrid Project boasts a capacity of 41.5MW, which complements the pre-existing 87MW solar farm, bringing the total capacity to a substantial 128.5MW.
Innovative Design and Operating Flexibility
The design of this project enables the solar and battery systems to function independently while utilising a single connection to the grid. According to Vena Energy, this initiative represents the largest utility-scale hybrid renewable facility with a single link to the National Electricity Market (NEM).
Owen Sela, Head of Australia at Vena Energy, stated that this hybrid setup offers enhanced operational flexibility. “Our system permits the simultaneous export of solar energy to the grid while allowing the battery to operate independently, either exporting energy or storing it. By making the most of existing grid infrastructure, we are facilitating the dispatch of renewable energy when required, providing cost-effective electricity to South Australia,” he explained.
He further noted, “This capability to store excess energy and cater to periods of high demand supports our goal of accelerating the energy transition, ensuring that communities benefit from a more intelligent and resilient energy system that aligns with the state’s 2030 emissions targets, as well as Australia’s journey towards net zero.”
Significant Environmental Impact
Vena Energy highlighted that the Tailem Bend 2 project has the potential to supply power to over 38,000 homes annually and help avoid nearly 222,800 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, making a considerable contribution to a greener future.
To enhance efficiency, the solar farm incorporates advanced technologies like bi-facial solar panels installed on tracking systems, which capture both direct and reflected sunlight.
Local Engagement and Workforce Diversity
The project has demonstrated robust local engagement throughout both facilities, with the construction of the solar farm drawing approximately 50% of its workforce from the neighbouring areas, including Tailem Bend and Murray Bridge. Additionally, 35% of workers were sourced from within South Australia during peak construction times.
Vena Energy also noted impressive diversity within its solar workforce: 10% of workers identified as First Nations, while 14% were female. Though the construction of the BESS involved a smaller, more specialised team, the commitment to local representation was evident, with 25% of its workforce coming from South Australia, including key management and civil contractor roles.
Expansion Potential
The Tailem Bend 2 Hybrid Project is situated next to the 95MW Tailem Bend 1 Solar Farm, which commenced operations in early 2019. When combined, these two solar projects are set to achieve a total capacity of 182MW, which can rise to 223.5MW upon integrating the battery storage from Tailem Bend 2.
In addition, Vena Energy has received approval for another BESS at Tailem Bend, aimed at facilitating renewable energy storage of up to 204MW/408MWh directly from the grid.