Massive Solar Batteries to Boost Australian Manufacturing
Australian infrastructure investor Quinbrook has revealed ambitious plans to deploy a series of colossal eight-hour solar batteries across the country. These innovative batteries are set to not only safeguard Australian manufacturing but also attract new industries to the region.
The proposed project by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners includes the installation of three such batteries in Queensland, strategically located in Brisbane, Gladstone, and Townsville, with a possibility of two additional batteries in New South Wales. Collectively, these batteries would offer a storage capacity of 3 gigawatts and 24 gigawatt hours, with a significant portion in Queensland and the rest in New South Wales. There is also a potential plan for another battery in the Northern Territory as part of the Sun Cable project.
Revolutionising Renewable Power
David Scaysbrook, the co-founder and managing partner of Quinbrook, envisions these large-scale solar farms with eight-hour batteries as a crucial step towards achieving continuous renewable power supply. He describes this initiative as a breakthrough moment in Australia’s journey towards decarbonisation, highlighting the importance of solar energy combined with battery storage in driving the energy transition and delivering cost-effective power.
Quinbrook’s groundbreaking plan, powered by technology from China’s CATL, is hailed as a “world-first” due to its unprecedented scale and innovative approach to energy storage.
Strategic Locations and Industrial Impact
The first project, named the Supernode battery, will be situated near Brisbane and will involve a substantial addition to the existing plans with a 250 MW, 2,000 MWh capacity. Furthermore, Quinbrook is exploring the potential for larger batteries in Gladstone and Townsville, catering to the industrial demands of these regions.
In Gladstone, the Miriam Vale Renewable Energy Hub could support initiatives like Rio Tinto’s renewable energy requirements for its operations, while Townsville’s industrial precincts are poised to benefit from the low-cost power supplied by the paired solar farms and batteries.
Pioneering Technology and Economic Opportunities
Despite existing projects in NSW, Quinbrook’s focus on eight-hour batteries with CATL’s EnerQB technology sets it apart in terms of scale and innovation. This new battery technology is specifically designed for extended charge and discharge cycles, offering enhanced energy density and cost efficiency compared to traditional battery solutions.
Scaysbrook emphasises the potential of attracting manufacturing industries to Australia through the promise of reliable green power, aligning with the global shift towards sustainable energy practices.
Quinbrook’s strategic investments and innovative projects position Australia as a key player in the renewable energy sector, leveraging its abundant natural resources and cost advantages to drive the energy transition and foster new export industries.
With a focus on critical minerals, renewable energy, and skilled workforce development, Australia has the opportunity to lead the way in shaping the future of energy production and export.
