What’s happening?
Stanwell and Quinbrook have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that gives Stanwell exclusivity over Quinbrook’s proposed Gladstone State Development Area Energy Hub Project.
The agreement follows their recent Memorandum of Understanding to demonstrate the first-ever 8-hour EnerQB Battery Energy Storage System at the Stanwell Power Station.
The two agreements connect, as the EnerQB BESS demonstration is planned to be an integral part of Quinbrook’s proposed development of the GSDA Energy Hub Project.
Quinbrook, together with its development affiliate Private Energy Partners, plans to deliver the GSDA Energy Hub in several stages. The proposal includes up to 1,080 MW of open cycle gas turbines with integrated synchronous condenser capabilities. It also includes 780 MW of 8 hour duration battery storage.
The project is designed to support network reliability and provide critical power system services. It aims to supply dispatchable power during high market demand, unplanned outages or periods of low weather-dependent generation. Quinbrook says the combination of responsive gas turbines, long duration batteries and synchronous condensers working in technical unison is a first for the Australian National Electricity Market.
Why it matters?
Stanwell CEO Michael O’Rourke said the GSDA Project would support Queensland’s energy reliability and economic growth.
“As Queensland’s electricity demand increases, our collaboration with Quinbrook positions Stanwell to deliver to Queenslanders affordable and reliable energy for years to come,” he said.
“The proposed G S D A Energy Hub Project will combine gas power generation and 8 hour battery storage through a novel configuration in a strategic location that supports Queensland’s critical heavy industries.
“This agreement provides Stanwell with exclusivity to negotiate commercial arrangements to facilitate the G S D A Energy Hub Project.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Quinbrook as the innovative G S D A Energy Hub Project and the 8 hour EnerQ B battery pilot continue to progress.”
Quinbrook Chief Executive Officer Brian Restall said it was positive to continue working closely with Stanwell.
“Quinbrook retains high conviction that Queensland remains a very attractive place to invest in the energy transition especially with innovative projects that directly support decarbonisation of the grid and in turn, the industries that depend on resilient power supply infrastructure.
“Our ongoing partnership with Stanwell demonstrates our shared commitment to delivering affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for the Sunshine state.
“Our pioneering EnerQ B long duration storage solution combined with the ultra long backup of open cycle gas turbines and then complimented by the grid stability services offered by synchronous condensers, marks another pioneering development by Quinbrook which is a truly innovative contribution directly supporting Queensland’s energy transition and the Queensland Government’s Energy Plan.”
Local impact
The project is intended to support Queensland’s heavy industries by placing firming capacity and long duration storage in a strategic location. It is aimed at strengthening power reliability during periods of market pressure or limited renewable output.
By the numbers
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Up to 1,080 MW of open cycle gas turbines are planned, fitted with integrated synchronous condenser capabilities to support system strength.
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The project includes 780 MW of 8 hour duration battery storage, forming a major part of the EnerQ B long duration solution.
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The EnerQ B 8 hour BESS demonstration at Stanwell Power Station connects directly with the GSDA Energy Hub plan.
Zoom in
The two Memoranda of Understanding work side by side. The EnerQ B 8 hour BESS demonstration is planned as an essential part of how the Energy Hub would function. The staged build by Quinbrook and Private Energy Partners forms the larger picture of flexible generation and long duration storage working together.
Zoom out
The GSDA Energy Hub model is new for the Australian National Electricity Market. Quinbrook notes that the mix of open cycle gas turbines, 8 hour battery storage and synchronous condensers operating together has not been used before at this scale. The project links with the goals in the Queensland Government’s Energy Plan.
What to look for next?
The agreement gives Stanwell exclusivity to negotiate commercial arrangements for the project. Progress on the EnerQ B battery pilot and the staged development plan will shape the next steps.
