#Australia #Brisbane #CATL #Quinbrook #Supernode

Expanding Horizons: CATL and Quinbrook Supernode Partnership

In the rapidly advancing sector of energy storage, CATL and Quinbrook have announced significant strides in their Supernode partnership. This collaboration is not merely about technology; it reflects a deep commitment to advancing sustainability and energy efficiency in Australia’s energy landscape.

Recent Developments

On August 18, 2026, Quinbrook's Supernode battery energy storage project commenced commercial operations of Phase 2, alongside securing funding of 469 million AUD for Phase 3. This development marks a crucial step in creating the largest operational Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) campus in Australia, which is expected to play a pivotal role in the nation’s transition toward renewable energy.

Currently, the Supernode project, located in Brendale, near Brisbane, has a planned capacity exceeding 3 GWh, with CATL serving as the primary supplier of energy storage systems across all project phases. The strategic location of the facility next to the South Pine substation enhances its operational efficiency and connectivity within Queensland’s energy grid.

Technological Innovation and Impact

The development of Supernode is closely aligned with Queensland’s accelerating energy transition and infrastructure investment cycles. With the completion of financing for Phase 3, the total project financing across all three phases amounts to approximately 1.2 billion AUD. The advancements achieved in Phases 1 and 2 include a generation capacity of 780 MW and a storage capacity of 3074 MWh, secured under long-term offtake agreements.

The project's success is heavily reliant on the continuous availability and operational efficiency of its energy storage systems. CATL has supplied its EnerC-Plus systems for the first two phases, while for Phase 3, TENER-S systems will be supplied, establishing a cohesive technological foundation across the campus.

By collaborating closely with Quinbrook, CATL has optimized construction specifics to maximize site density within the boundaries dictated by available industrial land. The EnerC Plus system enables back-to-back placements, reducing onsite spatial requirements by approximately 20%, thereby enhancing the project's overall space efficiency.

Lifelong Partnerships

CATL's contribution transcends mere equipment provision; under a Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA), it guarantees the lifecycle management of the energy storage facility, including condition monitoring, performance tracking, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance. This rigorous support framework ensures seamless and reliable long-term operations crucial for the success of energy transitions.

Tim Hornemand, the CEO and Regional Director for Australia at Quinbrook, expressed pride in achieving these goals amid the complexities associated with large-scale battery storage commissioning in Australia, emphasizing the critical milestone represented by Phase 3’s completion.

Furthermore, Tan Libin, CATL's Commercial Director and Co-President for Sales and Marketing, noted the shift in energy storage from a standalone technology to an integral component of energy systems. He remarked on the necessity of collaboration and innovation to unlock the full potential of energy storage systems.

Looking Ahead

As part of their forward-thinking approach, CATL and Quinbrook are also exploring energy storage solutions like EnerQB, which would provide an eight-hour storage duration for potential future phases of the Supernode development. Ultimately, CATL is committed to partnering globally to deliver reliable technologies and scalable solutions that support a flexible and resilient energy system.

Conclusion

The Supernode project embodies a paradigm shift in energy storage solutions in Australia, marking a crucial evolution in the renewable energy landscape. Through steadfast partnerships and technological advancement, CATL and Quinbrook are not only setting benchmarks in energy storage but also paving the way for future innovations aimed at fostering sustainability and energy resilience.