Quinbrook closed financing for the third phase of the battery storage complex while CATL will supply its TENER S systems.
Quinbrook and CATL advance the development of Supernode BESS in Australia following the start of commercial operations for phase 2 and financial close of phase 3 for 469 million Australian dollars, equivalent to approximately US$332.9 million.
With this new transaction, cumulative financing for the project’s three phases totals approximately 1.2 billion Australian dollars. The complex is being developed adjacent to the South Pine substation, one of the main nodes on Queensland’s electricity transmission network.
Supernode BESS Will Reach 780 MW Capacity
One of the site’s key features is its available grid connection capacity, estimated at approximately 4 GW. This infrastructure enables Supernode to be developed progressively through distinct phases.
Once the three planned stages are completed, the BESS complex will reach 780 MW/3.07 GWh of energy storage capacity. Additionally, the project will have long-term offtake agreements.
The progress comes as Queensland continues directing investment toward its energy infrastructure amid the transition of its power system.
Separately, in January 2025 Quinbrook had secured a financing agreement for 722 million Australian dollars allocated to phases 1 and 2 of Supernode.
CATL Supplies Storage Systems
CATL participates as supplier of the main energy storage systems used across the different phases.
Phases 1 and 2 incorporate the EnerC Plus solution while phase 3 will use TENER S systems.
According to information provided by Quinbrook, the facility design seeks to maximize use of available industrial land. EnerC Plus supports series installations and reduces required land area by approximately 20% compared to earlier generations of the EnerC system.
Likewise, CATL’s equipment uses integrated liquid cooling. This technology maintains temperature differences within containers in a range of up to 5°C and enables a projected service life of up to 20 years.
The manufacturer’s participation also includes a long-term service contract for monitoring, maintenance, and performance support of the systems during their operational period.
Quinbrook Completes Phases Contracted by Origin
Tim Hornemand, managing director and regional head of Quinbrook Australia, noted that the start of commercial operations for phase 2 represents completion of the two phases contracted by Origin within established timelines.
We are extremely proud of this achievement, given the complexity of commissioning large-scale battery energy storage projects in Australia.
Hornemand stated.
The executive added that full financing of phase 3 represents another milestone in Supernode’s development and highlighted the support of participating financial institutions.
Supernode Could Incorporate Eight-Hour Storage
Looking toward potential expansion, Quinbrook and CATL are also studying the development of EnerQB, a BESS solution designed to offer eight-hour duration.
The approximately 4 GW of available connection capacity at the site opens the possibility of continuing to expand the project through additional phases.
Should these plans materialize, Supernode could expand its role as storage infrastructure linked to Queensland’s power grid beyond the three currently financed phases.
Source and photo: PR Newswire
