The Victorian Government is backing another big battery to strengthen Victoria’s energy grid, keep the lights on and help drive down energy costs as ageing coal-fired power stations retire.
The Baranduda Electrical Energy Reserve near Wodonga will deliver 400 megawatts of capacity and store 1.86 gigawatt-hours of energy – enough to power more than 200,000 Victorian homes through the evening peak.
The 4.65 hour battery will have the longest storage in the state, consisting of four independent 100-megawatt units, giving it the capacity to supply electricity for longer periods when demand is high.
Located next to the Wodonga Terminal Station and the critical Victoria-NSW electricity interconnector, the battery will store cheap renewable energy when it is abundant and release it when Victorians need it most.
Construction is expected to begin in November and will create around 150 jobs, with more ongoing roles once the battery starts operating in late 2028.
State-owned SEC is investing up to $43 million for a stake in the project and has secured 50 per cent of its output through a 15-year agreement. This investment enabled partners Aware Super and Birdwood to deliver the project.
This is the first public-private partnership between the Carroll Labor Government and a superannuation fund to deliver a renewable energy project in Victoria.
This will give SEC access to more reliable energy to support Victorian Government and commercial customers, while the remaining output will be available to support Victoria’s broader electricity market.
It’s why Labor brought back the SEC after Jeff Kennett privatised it.
Only Labor will maintain the lowest electricity prices in the country, deliver the replacement energy infrastructure needed to keep the lights on and put regional jobs first.
Once operating, the project will deliver an annual community benefit fund to support the Wodonga community.
Jess Wilson’s Liberal One Nation Coalition will stop the energy transition, scrap the SEC and rip $18 billion in wages from regional energy workers through their $40 billion cuts agenda to vital public services.
As stated by the Minister for Energy and Resources Jaclyn Symes
“Labor has delivered the lowest wholesale electricity prices in the country because we invest in renewables and big batteries.”
“The SEC is investing in the affordable energy projects Victoria needs – Jess Wilson’s One Nation Coalition want to replace the SEC with expensive gas and toxic nuclear power which take decades to build.”
“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.”
