EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Supernode's Stage 2 has entered commercial operation, while Quinbrook has secured financing for Stage 3 of the battery storage project. The first two stages provide 520 MW/1,858 MWh of operational storage, and the additional debt funding will support development of the next phase.
News Synopsis
Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners is an investment manager focused on infrastructure supporting the energy transition and digital infrastructure sectors. The company announced that Stage 2 of its Supernode Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Queensland, Australia, has completed construction and entered commercial operation. Quinbrook also confirmed financial close for Stage 3 after securing AUD 469 million (~ $329.57 million) in debt financing, bringing total financing for the Supernode complex to approximately AUD 1.2 billion (~ $843.34 million).
The completion of Stage 2 means the first two phases of the Supernode project are now operational. Together, Stages 1 and 2 provide a combined battery storage capacity of 520 MW / 1,858 MWh, making them the largest operational battery energy storage system in Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM). Stage 2 is operating under a long-term tolling agreement with Origin Energy, while both Origin-contracted stages were completed according to the original construction schedule.
The project was delivered in partnership with Quinbrook affiliate Private Energy Partners, with the partnership continuing through the development of Stage 3.
Tim Horneman, Managing Director and Australia Regional Lead at Quinbrook, 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."
Stage 3 secured an AUD 469 million (~ $329.57 million) debt financing package supported by Commonwealth Bank of Australia, MUFG, Deutsche Bank, DNB and Rabobank. The financing follows the debt package arranged for Stages 1 and 2 in January 2025 and includes improved financing terms. The project also has a 15-year offtake agreement with Stanwell Corporation for Stage 3.
James Allan, Senior Director at Quinbrook, said:
"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. The site also has capacity for a further 520 MW 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."
According to the company, the Supernode site has sufficient grid capacity to accommodate an additional 520 MW of future infrastructure. Future expansion could include additional battery energy storage, data centres, or a combination of both, depending on market requirements. The project forms part of Australia's ongoing deployment of utility-scale battery storage to support grid flexibility, renewable energy integration and electricity system reliability.