Quinbrook Bags EPBC Act Approval for 780MW Supernode North BESS in Australia

Why It Matters

The clearance fast‑tracks a critical 780 MW storage asset that will enhance grid reliability and enable industrial diversification in North Queensland, while positioning Quinbrook as a leading provider of both short‑ and long‑duration energy storage in Australia.

Key Takeaways

• EPBC Act clearance removes major regulatory barrier
• 780 MW BESS will support Townsville’s industrial precinct
• Quinbrook’s South Pine project already delivering 260 MW
• Future expansion includes 3 GW EnerQB long‑duration storage
• Project uses containerized lithium‑ion batteries on 41‑hectare site

Pulse Analysis

Australia’s transition to a low‑carbon grid hinges on large‑scale battery storage, and Quinbrook’s Supernode North marks a pivotal addition. By securing EPBC Act approval, the 780 MW facility can move swiftly from planning to construction, delivering rapid response capacity that balances intermittent renewable generation across the National Electricity Market. The site’s strategic location near Townsville positions it to feed power into the emerging Lansdown Eco‑Industrial Precinct, where a metallurgical silicon plant will diversify the region’s industrial base and demand flexible, reliable electricity.

Quinbrook’s broader portfolio underscores a rapid scaling of storage solutions. The South Pine Supernode, already operational with 260 MW/619 MWh, is slated to reach 780 MW/3,074 MWh by 2027, demonstrating the company’s ability to deliver incremental capacity while maintaining grid stability. Moreover, the planned Stage Four deployment of EnerQB long‑duration energy storage (LDES), developed with CATL, signals a shift toward multi‑hour storage that can bridge longer periods of low renewable output. With a target of 3 GW of EnerQB technology—equivalent to 24 GWh—across Australia, Quinbrook aims to fill a critical gap in the market for endurance storage.

The regulatory win for Supernode North also highlights Australia’s evolving policy landscape, where streamlined approvals can accelerate investment in critical infrastructure. As the NEM integrates more solar and wind, the need for both short‑duration, high‑power batteries and long‑duration, high‑energy solutions becomes increasingly urgent. Quinbrook’s dual‑track approach—combining containerized lithium‑ion units with upcoming LDES—offers a template for other developers seeking to meet the grid’s dynamic needs while supporting regional economic growth. This momentum positions the company at the forefront of the country’s energy transition, attracting further capital and partnership opportunities.