Stage 2 of Quinbrook’s Supernode Battery in Queensland has successfully completed construction and commenced commercial operations.
The first two stages of Supernode are now operational, which completes delivery of the Origin Energy long-term tolling stages in the project’s development.
Related article: Supernode Battery Stage 1 begins commercial operations
Stages 1 and 2 have a combined capacity of 520MW/1,858MWh. The first two stages were delivered in line with the original completion schedule despite the many complexities of constructing and commissioning utility-scale battery storage systems in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM).
Stages 1 and 2 together currently comprise the largest operating Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the National Energy Market.
Supernode Stages 1 and 2 were delivered in partnership with Quinbrook affiliate Private Energy Partners, with the partnership continuing through construction of Stage 3, which has reached financial close on an additional $469 million in debt financing. This brings total project financing across the Supernode complex to approximately $1.2 billion.
Stage 3 of the Supernode battery carries a 15-year offtake agreement with Stanwell Corporation.
Quinbrook managing sirector and Australia regional lead Tim Horneman said, “Achieving commercial operations for Stage 2 means we’ve successfully delivered both Origin-contracted stages on schedule, an outcome we’re incredibly proud of given the complexity of commissioning utility-scale battery storage projects in Australia.
“With Stage 3 now fully financed, we’ve reached another important milestone in Supernode’s continuing development. The ongoing support of our banking partners also reflects confidence in the Supernode project, our delivery track record and the long-term outlook for battery storage in Australia.”
Quinbrook senior director James Allan said Supernode’s value extended well beyond the battery currently under development.
“From the outset, Supernode was designed as more than just a battery storage project. Its unique location at the heart of Queensland’s transmission network makes it ideally placed to support the state’s transitioning power system well into the future,” he said.
Related article: Quinbrook to further expand Supernode Battery
“The site also has capacity for a further 520MW of expansion, which could include battery storage, data centres or a combination of both. Opportunities to develop infrastructure at this scale, in such a strategically connected location, are exceptionally rare.”
