#Australia #Brisbane #CATL #Quinbrook #Supernode

CATL and Quinbrook Expand Their Partnership on Supernode

The Supernode battery energy storage project, developed by Quinbrook, has officially entered commercial operation for Phase 2 and secured a robust financing of AUD 469 million for Phase 3. This development marks a critical advancement in establishing Australia’s largest operational Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) campus, located in Brendale, just north of Brisbane.

Project Overview

When completed, Supernode is expected to boast a remarkable capacity exceeding 3 GWh. CATL, as the primary supplier of energy storage systems, is pivotal for the entire three phases, providing advanced storage solutions and lifecycle support to guarantee reliable long-term operations. The project is strategically situated near the South Pine substation, a key hub for Queensland’s electricity network, allowing for optimal marginal loss factors (MLF) and a connection capability of approximately 4,000 MW.

This development aligns with the accelerating energy transition in Queensland, driven by infrastructural investment cycles. With a total project financing nearing AUD 1.2 billion for all phases, Supernode aims to reach a power output of 780 MW and a storage capacity of 3,074 MWh upon completion of its initial stages. Agreements for these capacities are secured through long-term supply contracts.

Innovations and Technology

CATL has supplied its EnerC Plus systems for the initial phases and will provide the TENER S systems for Phase 3. This consistency in technology across the campus ensures a streamlined platform that enhances operational efficiency. EnerC Plus technology facilitates back-to-back installations, reducing on-site footprint by nearly 20% compared to previous offerings. Its integrated liquid cooling system ensures that internal container temperatures remain within a 5 °C range, optimizing reliability over the system's expected 20-year lifecycle.

Beyond equipment provision, CATL has committed to long-term service contracts. These contracts include ongoing monitoring, performance tracking, fault management, and preventative maintenance to ensure the energy storage installation operates dependably over time. The proven performance of CATL products and the scalable delivery capabilities bolster confidence in the long-term viability of the energy storage installations.

Tim Hornemand, Managing Director at Quinbrook, expressed pride in the team’s ability to complete Phase 2 on schedule amid the complexities inherent in large-scale battery storage projects in Australia. With Phase 3 now fully financed, the partnership has reached another significant milestone in its journey towards a comprehensive energy solution.

Future Directions and Continued Collaboration

Tan Libin, CCO at CATL, remarked on the evolving landscape of energy storage, where deployments are transitioning from simple technological implementations to strategic energy assets. The future growth of this sector hinges on both technological advancements and a collaborative approach that fosters sustainable value creation.

Currently, CATL and Quinbrook are also collaborating on EnerQB, a battery storage solution with an eight-hour autonomy, which is in the pipeline for future phases of the Supernode project. This ongoing partnership not only emphasizes the role CATL has played but also showcases its commitment to providing tried and tested technologies and scalable solutions.

Conclusion

As CATL and Quinbrook push forward with the Supernode project, they not only contribute to the regional energy grid but also exemplify a successful collaborative model for advancing energy innovation in Australia. Their work underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving long-term energy goals and fulfilling the demands of an evolving energy landscape.