Construction is set to begin on one of Queensland’s largest Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Quinbrook’s Supernode project at Brendale.
Stage one of the project is the construction of a 250MW/2hr capacity BESS and that will enable the efficient storage of surplus solar and wind energy, aid the displacement of coal and other emissions-intensive generation sources.
Origin Energy has committed to the full capacity of stage one, under a recently completed agreement.
The Supernode project is strategically located near the South Pine electricity substation.
This will be a significant advantage for the 2,000MW BESS.
Following stage one, a data storage facility is planned to be added to the site.
Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said that when the State Government announced this Supernode in 2022, he said that it showed what the future holds for Queensland’s digital and renewables economy and the creation of knowledge-based jobs.
“Since then, we have made massive strides in making Queensland a clean energy powerhouse, anchored by our revolutionary Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan,” Mr Miles said.
“The construction of stage one, here in Brendale, is more evidence that business believes in our vision.
“Renewable energy generation and storage like this will power us towards our 70 per cent renewable energy targets.
Mr Miles said that responsible emissions targets are essential to jobs in existing industries like mining, agriculture, and manufacturing and it’s the key to creating more jobs in the new industries of the future, in the south east and right across Queensland.
“Additionally, our $15 million investment in Queensland’s first direct International Broadband Network Cable Landing Station, demonstrated to big business that the Sunshine state is the place to invest.
“We know we have the connection with the world to support new data centres, like the one that will be built here, creating high value jobs that can be powered by renewable energy.”
Quinbrook Co-Founder, David Scaysbrook, said that the successful close of Supernode stage one is significant for Queensland as it delivers valuable large-scale storage at the best possible location in the State’s power grid.
“The South Pine site is a unique and strategic location offering unparalleled power supply access and redundancy and is testament to Quinbrook’s ability to source, fund and develop innovative projects for the benefit of our investors and provide tangible solutions to decarbonise power systems,” Mr Scaysbrook said.
Moreton Bay City Council Mayor, Peter Flannery, said that Quinbrook’s battery storage system will be one of the largest installations in Australia, bringing economic benefits and offering greater energy security to Queenslanders.
“I look forward to seeing the project grow and benefit from Brendale’s already strong business ecosystem and smart city infrastructure.”