Throughout the sessions, students designed and built battery-powered and wind-powered vehicles, testing and refining their creations while learning about the scientific principles behind their designs. Students also explored hydrogen energy and discovered how emerging technologies are helping shape a more sustainable future.

Vena Energy has operated in the Tailem Bend region since 2019, when it commissioned its first utility-scale solar project in Australia. The company’s Tailem Bend precinct now includes two solar farms with a combined capacity of 245MWdc and a 41.5MWh battery energy storage system, with a second 408MWh battery currently under construction.

Engineering Tomorrow is an international non-profit program designed to connect students with real-world engineering in fields like green energy. Through partnerships with companies like Vena Energy, the program places industry professionals directly in the classroom, giving students the chance to learn from people working in the field.

Students work through real engineering challenges, applying scientific concepts to build and test their own wind, battery and solar models, developing the problem-solving skills that drive the green energy industry.

Owen Sela, Vena Energy’s Head of Australia, said supporting local students is one of the most rewarding parts of the company’s community engagement work.

“We’ve been part of the Tailem Bend community for over six years, and one of the best ways we can invest in the community is through its young people. We hope programs like Engineering Tomorrow spark curiosity about the exciting career opportunities in this industry.”

Read more in the July 2026 edition of Tailem Topics.