Queensland’s Supernode battery capacity is set to increase an additional 250MW, with Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners signing a Stage 3 offtake agreement with Stanwell Corporation.
The expansion will boost the 500MW BESS (battery energy storage system) to a 750MW system, with 2540GWh of storage – meaning it will become one of the largest batteries in Australia.
The contract is subject to conditions precedent, including Quinbrook reaching financial close for the proposed project by 30 September 2025.
Quinbrook Co-founder and Managing Partner, David Scaysbrook, said Stanwell’s contract for Supernode Stage 3 represents the complete ‘sell out’ of Quinbrook’s current plans for large scale battery storage at the highly strategic South Pine site.
“Construction for Stages 1 and 2 has already commenced in preparation for delivery of both of those initial stages under our previously announced offtake partnership with Origin Energy.
“Construction of Stage 3 will now head into accelerated planning, taking our total investment in Supernode to more than $1.4 billion.”
Mr Scaysbrook said Stanwell and Origin’s long-term contracts for Supernode reinforce how strategically valuable the South Pine location is within the Queensland power system.
“It’s hard to imagine a more ideal location for storage in the sunshine state and Stanwell’s involvement speaks volumes to that.
“I also compliment our exceptional Quinbrook and PEP teams who together represent the very best talent imaginable in identifying and developing unique projects for our investors that are ‘true to label’ infrastructure investments, which is the exception rather than the rule in battery storage.”
Quinbrook Managing Director and Regional Leader, Australia, Brian Restall, said, “We are pleased to partner with Stanwell on the third stage of this important battery project, recognised by many in the industry as Queensland’s best site for a big battery.
“We are delighted to have now contracted all 3 stages of Supernode well ahead of our own internal schedule.”
Mr Restall said Supernode will provide a significant economic boost to the Moreton Bay region, creating jobs and supporting many local businesses in the shire.
“This announcement is proof that Queensland is still open for business and further repays the trust and confidence that Moreton Bay Regional Council showed in Quinbrook and our Supernode concept from the very beginning.
“We are pleased to be delivering such a significant new infrastructure project supporting Queensland’s demand for clean energy to support the green superpower opportunities in the sunshine state.”
Stanwell CEO, Michael O’Rourke, said he was delighted to be working with the private sector to boost Stanwell’s ability to provide firmed renewable energy to commercial and industrial retail customers who are looking to decarbonise their operations.
“Battery projects like Supernode enable us to harvest the energy from solar in the middle of the day, and store it for use in the evenings, when demand is highest.
“The proposed Stage 3 of Supernode will do just that, whilst also creating further employment opportunities from the overall site expansion. It’s projects like this that will enable Stanwell to continue to deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for Queensland and the National Electricity Market.”
Quinbrook said it will also engage with Stanwell regarding the potential involvement of Stanwell’s Asset Maintenance Company (SAMCo) to provide operations and maintenance services for the project.
