Baranduda 1.86 GWh battery reaches financial close
Melbourne: Aware Super, Birdwood and SEC are joining forces to deliver the Baranduda Electrical Energy Reserve, a 1.86 gigawatt−hour (GWh) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) located in Wodonga, Victoria - designed to help keep Victorian power reliable as coal-fired generation retires.
The 400-megawatt (MW) capacity, 4.65-hour, standalone battery is located in an industrial precinct next to the Wodonga Terminal Station (WOTS) and directly on the critical Victoria–NSW high-voltage (330 kV) interconnector. The battery comprises four 100 MW/465 MWh units, which are independent assets with separate connections.
Once operational in late 2028, Baranduda will be capable of storing enough energy to power more than 200,000 Victorian homes through the evening peak, charging when renewable generation is abundant and discharging when supply is required.
Construction is expected to begin in November 2026, creating around 150 jobs during construction and ongoing operational roles once the battery is online. Once operational, the project will also support the Wodonga community through an annual community benefit fund.
State-owned SEC is investing up to $43 million in capital for a minority stake in the project, alongside a 15-year offtake agreement for 50 per cent of its output to support Victorian Government and commercial energy retail contracts. The remaining 50 per cent will be available on a merchant basis to support the broader Victorian energy market.
The project forms part of the Birdwood Energy Storage and Transition (BEST) platform, a joint venture between Aware Super and Birdwood.
Aware Super Head of Private Markets, Jenny Newmarch said: “Baranduda is an important investment for our 1.3 million members and a strong fit with our growing energy-storage portfolio. Long-duration storage is critical to the energy transition, and this project reflects our confidence in its role in supporting a more reliable and renewable energy system.”
Birdwood Managing Partner Scott McGregor said: “Birdwood has worked diligently to bring this high-quality asset to financial close with tier-one equipment providers together with institutional investors and banks. Its commercial offtake and technical design draw directly on lessons from some of the best battery projects we've led in Europe and is built to deliver maximum flexibility for investors and the market for 30 years which is exactly the type of asset Victoria needs during the multiple phases of the energy transition.”
SEC CEO, Chris Millier said: “Through our 15-year offtake, SEC is excited to play a critical role in bringing this important project forward for Victorians and securing the delivery of the state’s longest duration, utility scale battery. The battery’s strategic location will also bolster Victoria’s energy security
by enabling increased electricity flows during periods of high demand, network congestion, or unexpected outages, delivering more affordable, reliable renewable energy for Victorians.”