Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has started commercial operations on stage 1 of its landmark Supernode battery energy storage (BESS) project in Brisbane, Queensland marking a major milestone for one of the world’s largest grid-scale storage campuses. The initial stage delivers 260 MW capacity, and is part of a planned multi-phase complex expected to reach 780 MW/3,100 MWh once fully built.
Supernode BESS project is strategically located in Brisbane adjacent to the central node of Queensland’s transmission network near the South Pine substation. Like most, if not all battery projects, it is designed to store surplus renewable electricity and dispatch it during peak demand periods as a way of strengthening grid stability. This is as renewable storage penetration continues to increase in the region with developments like Belah battery energy storage project, and Stanwell BESS with 1,200 MWh capacity from Tesla Megapack units.
Project Significance
Supernode BESS project is among the cornerstone assets for Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM), providing firming capacity for intermittent renewables and helping displace emissions-intensive generation sources.
The site’s location also gives it direct access to high-voltage transmission infrastructure. This enables efficient time-shifting of solar generation from daytime production to evening peak demand.
Supernode BESS Project: Capacity and Technical Scope
Stage 1: 260 MW operational battery storage.
Stages 1–2 combined: 520 MW/1,856 MWh.
Stage 3 planned: Additional 260 MW/1,216 MWh.
Total planned campus: 780 MW/3,074 – 3,096 MWh.
Future phases may include long-duration storage systems capable of up to 8-hour discharge. The development could also include partnership with global battery manufacturer CATL.
Financing and Investment Structure
Quinbrook’s Supernode battery energy storage project represents one of the largest standalone battery financing in Australia. Quinbrook closed AUD $722 million debt financing for Stages 1-2 through a syndicate of major banks including:
Total investment across the full Supernode BESS campus is projected to exceed $1.4 billion once later phases are delivered.
Offtake Agreements for Supernode Battery Energy Storage Project in Brisbane
Origin Energy: Long-term offtake contracts for Stages 1 and 2 covering full capacity.
Stanwell Corporation: Contracted offtake for Stage 3 capacity.
Why are these offtakes important? They underpin revenue stability and were key to securing project financing.
Project Team and Contractors Behind Supernode BESS Project
Developer/Owner
- Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners
Key Commercial Partners
- Origin Energy
- Stanwell Corporation
Grid Integration
- Powerlink Queensland as transmission connection partner
Technology Suppliers
- GE Vernova for inverter integration in Stage 1
- CATL as a long-duration battery technology partner
Financing Partners
- Bank of America
- Commonwealth Bank of Australia
- Deutsche Bank
- Mizuho Bank
- MUFG Bank
Outlook on Supernode BESS Project in Brisbane, Queensland
With Stage 1 operational and further stages contracted, Supernode BESS is on track to become one of the largest battery storage facilities in the world. Financing for Stage 3 is also expected to proceed following completion of conditions precedent, while additional expansion phases are already under development.
When fully complete and operational, Quinbrook’s Supernode will not only stabilize Queensland’s grid but also serve as a blueprint for large-scale storage hubs integrated with renewable generation and digital infrastructure.
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