Dederang BESS
Project Status
Development
Indicative Capacity
400 MWh
Local Government Area
Alpine Shire
Location
Dederang, Victoria
We are in the development phase of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project adjacent to the existing Dederang Terminal Station.
Targeting an indicative installed capacity of 400MWh with an indicative development footprint of approximately 4 ha, the final size of the project will be dependent the final selected BESS model and conditions of approvals.
BESS provide the ability to store energy, so that excess energy produced during periods of low demand or high output (e.g., from existing variable sources of solar in the surrounding region) can be stored for use during periods when there might otherwise be a shortfall in supply.
BESS do more than just store energy; they can help support the quality and reliability of power from the grid. They are able to help stabilise both voltage and frequency by rapidly responding to imbalances and adjusting output to keep within safe limits, similar to adjusting the water pressure and flow rate in a hose. Stable operation of the grid is crucial for maintaining a high quality of power supply and avoiding equipment damage and potential blackouts.
The site sits at a critical "system strength" node within the Victorian electricity network, enabling the BESS to support grid stability. It also lies along the Victorian–New South Wales interconnector, creating valuable opportunities to store and shift energy between states. Additionally, the area experiences frequent curtailment of renewable generation, particularly solar, making it a prime location for capturing excess energy and discharging it when demand is high, ultimately improving efficiency and delivering greater value to energy customers.
Project Location
Project Updates
We are inviting community members and local leaders to help shape the Dederang BESS Community Fund, so it reflects what matters most to the people of Dederang.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views on the Dederang BESS Community Fund. The survey results will be used to:
help shape the proposed governance framework for the community fund
inform a community workshop with an independent facilitator, where participants can work through priorities, governance options and decision‑making principles
support the development of a fund model that reflects community feedback and is transparent, fair and locally responsive.
We will continue to share updates as this work progresses and let the community know how feedback is being used.
The Minister for Planning granted a planning permit for the Project in June 2025. A copy of the planning permit is available to review here.
There is still a lot of work to do prior to the construction of the Project. This phase will include ongoing engineering and design activities to ensure compliance with the planning permit conditions, grid connection activities, discussions with potential customers and financiers and ongoing engagement with the community. All of these activities need to occur before the Project will proceed to construction.
Community & Benefits
We strive to be active and caring neighbours, dedicated stewards of the environment, and create meaningful, lasting benefits for the broader community.
We know that for our projects to be successful, we must work closely with our stakeholders, including landholders, project neighbours, First Nations peoples and the broader community.
Benefits
The project will provide benefits through a boost to local and regional economy and local businesses and jobs during construction.
Mint will also develop other ways to share benefits of the project, informed by engagement with stakeholders throughout the development phases of the project.
The way we share benefits will be finalised prior to construction of the project.
Community Fund
On behalf of the host landowners, Mint Renewables has committed to establishing a community fund (of the value of $70,000 per annum) from the commencement of operations.
Our intent is that the fund will be managed by a committee made up of representatives of the community. The committee will make the decisions on how the funding is distributed.
Based on the feedback received, Mint is taking a coordinated approach to establishing the community fund, engaging with the Kiewa Valley BESS team to identify opportunities where collaboration can enhance community outcomes and reduce engagement fatigue.
Consultation
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views on the proposed Dederang BESS Community Fund. We received feedback from residents of Dederang, including landholders near the Project, volunteers, community group members and local organisations.
While views about the Project itself vary, the survey highlighted clear and consistent feedback about what matters most to the community and how a community fund should operate.
What the community wants the fund to support
Across responses, people consistently told us that the fund should prioritise initiatives that deliver practical, long‑lasting benefits for the whole community, particularly:
community infrastructure and shared spaces, including upgrades to local sporting grounds, halls and the Dederang multipurpose building facilities
emergency services and community safety, especially support for the CFA, emergency preparedness and resilience
health, wellbeing and social connection, with a focus on seniors, mental health and inclusive community programs
sport, recreation and opportunities for young people
environmental and biodiversity projects, such as Landcare initiatives, river and landscape protection.
Many respondents emphasised the importance of supporting local community organisations and not‑for‑profits, rather than funding individuals, and ensuring benefits are clearly visible and widely shared.
How benefits should be delivered
Respondents highlighted that the fund should:
focus on long‑term outcomes, not one‑off or short‑term projects
invest in community assets and services that build resilience over time
be fair and accessible.
Governance and decision‑making
There was strong support for the fund to be overseen by a balanced governance group, made up of:
local community representatives
community organisations and emergency services
independent experts, where appropriate.
People consistently stressed that trust and transparency are essential. The most suggested safeguards included:
clear, publicly available funding criteria
open application processes with defined timeframes
regular public reporting on funded projects and outcomes
independent oversight or review.
What success looks like
When asked what they would like to see in 5–10 years’ time, respondents described success as:
better‑quality community facilities and shared spaces
stronger, well‑resourced emergency services
a more connected, resilient and supported community
environmental improvements that protect the local landscape
a community fund that delivers tangible benefits and brings lasting value.
What happens next
The survey results will be used to:
help shape the proposed governance framework for the community fund
inform a community workshop with an independent facilitator, where participants can work through priorities, governance options and decision‑making principles
support the development of a fund model that reflects community feedback and is transparent, fair and locally responsive.
We will continue to share updates as this work progresses and let the community know how feedback is being used.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact us at dederangbattery@mintrenewables.com or call 1800 HI MINT (446 468).
Goods & Services Register
We are committed to employing local people and buying local wherever possible.
We are always on the lookout to build new working relationships in the industry and encourage you to register your services and/or business on our Goods & Services Register.
If you are interested in providing goods and services for the project, please register your interest here.
BESS will play an important role in creating a flexible and reliable energy system and supporting the rapid deployment of variable renewable energy sources.
Environment & Planning
A planning permit was issued by the Minister for Planning on 5 June 2025.
A copy of the planning permit is available to review here.
To support the planning and approvals process for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), technical specialists conduct detailed environmental assessments to evaluate potential impacts and identify appropriate mitigation measures.
For the Dederang BESS, these assessments included:
The planning permit and officers report is available on the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) website (here).
A Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) has also been prepared and approved for the Project.
We’ll share project updates and information via our newsletters and our FAQs.
Resources
Stay up to date
We will communicate key project updates via our e-newsletter. Sign up below to subscribe to our e-newsletter distribution list.
Goods & Services Register
We are always on the lookout to build new working relationships in the industry and encourage you to register your services and/or business on our Goods & Services Register.
Get in touch
Feedback and questions are always welcome!
Please get in contact with us via:
1800 HI MINT (446 468)
dederangbattery@mintrenewables.com
complaints@mintrenewables.com
Register your services and/or business on our Goods & Services Register.
Privacy Policy download here | Complaints Handling Procedure download here
Mint Renewables will engage meaningfully with First Nations People of Australia and mana whenua of Aotearoa to develop long term relationships based on respect and understanding. Mint Renewables acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.