The Victorian Government is backing a big battery project near Wodonga to strengthen the state’s electricity grid, enhance reliability, and put downward pressure on household power bills as aging coal-fired power stations retire.
The Baranduda Electrical Energy Reserve will deliver 400 megawatts of capacity and store 1.86 gigawatt-hours of energy, enough to power more than 200,000 Victorian homes through peak evening demand.
Featuring four independent 100-megawatt units, the 4.65-hour facility will boast the longest storage duration of any battery in the state.
Located adjacent to the Wodonga Terminal Station and the Victoria–NSW interconnector, the battery will store abundant renewable energy during off-peak hours and release it when demand surges.
Construction is scheduled to commence in November, creating roughly 150 jobs during the build phase alongside ongoing operational roles once the facility goes live in late 2028.
The project marks the first public-private partnership between the Carroll Labor Government and a superannuation fund for a Victorian renewable initiative.
State-owned State Electricity Commission (SEC) is investing up to AU$43 million for an equity stake, securing 50 per cent of the battery’s output over a 15-year agreement.
This public backing enabled investment partners Aware Super and Birdwood to deliver the project.
Under the agreement, the SEC will harness reliable power for government and commercial clients, with the remaining capacity supporting Victoria’s broader energy market.
Upon completion, the initiative will also establish an annual community benefit fund dedicated to supporting local projects across Wodonga.
Minister for Energy and Resources Jaclyn Symes noted the economic and grid benefits of the state’s expanding storage footprint.
“Labor has delivered the lowest wholesale electricity prices in the country because we invest in renewables and big batteries,” Symes said.
“The SEC is investing in the affordable energy projects Victoria needs.
“This big battery will be able to power more than 200,000 Victorian homes through the evening peak while creating around 150 jobs during construction.”
