Aware Super, Birdwood power up Victoria

Aware Super, Birdwood and Victoria's government renewable energy company SEC will deliver a 400MW battery energy storage project in Wodonga, as the state prepares for the retirement of coal-fired generation.

The Baranduda Electrical Energy Reserve will have 1.86 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of storage capacity and comprise four independents 100MW/465 MWh battery units, each with a separate grid connection.

Located next to the Wodonga Terminal Station and on the Victoria-NSW 330kV interconnector, the standalone battery is expected to begin operations in late 2028.

Once operational, Baranduda will be capable of storing enough electricity to power more than 200,000 Victorian homes through the evening peak, charging when renewable generation is abundant and discharging when additional supply is required.

Construction is expected to begin in November, creating around 150 jobs, with ongoing operational roles to follow. The project will also establish an annual community benefit fund for Wodonga.

The state-owned SEC is investing up to $43 million for a minority stake and has agreed to a 15-year offtake agreement covering 50% of the battery's output, supporting the Victorian government and commercial energy retail contracts.

The remaining 50% will be available on a merchant basis to the broader Victorian energy market.

Aware Super head of private markets Jenny Newmarch said the project was a strong fit with the fund's growing energy storage portfolio.

"Baranduda is an important investment for our 1.3 million members and a strong fit with our growing energy-storage portfolio," Newmarch said.

"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."

SEC chief executive Chris Miller said the project's location would strengthen Victoria's energy security during periods of high demand, network congestion and unexpected outages.

Baranduda forms part of the Birdwood Energy Storage and Transition platform, a joint venture between Aware Super and Birdwood.

Aware Super first partnered with Birdwood in 2023, making a direct investment in the Birdwood Distribution Energy Platform as part of its strategy to diversify its renewable energy exposure.

At the time, the fund said the partnership would support the development of distributed renewable energy and battery storage projects across Australia, complementing its more than $2 billion of existing investment in utility-scale wind and solar generation and other climate solutions.