Stanwell and Quinbrook have signed a Memorandum of Understanding granting Stanwell exclusivity over Quinbrook’s proposed Gladstone State Development Area (GSDA) Energy Hub Project.

The proposed GSDA Energy Hub Project between Stanwell and Quinbrook strengthens the collaborative partnership between the two businesses following the recent announcement they had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to demonstrate the first ever 8-hour duration EnerQB Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Stanwell Power Station.

The two Memoranda of Understanding go hand-in-hand, with the EnerQB BESS demonstration forming an integral part of Quinbrook’s proposed development of the GSDA Energy Hub Project into a multi-technology renewables firming and grid resiliency solution.

The GSDA Energy Hub Project is proposed to be delivered in several stages by Quinbrook in conjunction with its development affiliate Private Energy Partners with plans for up to 1,080 MW of open-cycle gas turbines fitted with integrated synchronous condenser capabilities complimented by 780 MW of 8-hour duration BESS to provide significant new firming capacity for Queensland’s energy system.

The GSDA Energy Hub Project is designed to support network reliability and critical power system services, supplying dispatchable power during times of high market demand, unplanned system outages or at times of low weather dependent power generation.

The combination of flexible and responsive gas turbines, long duration batteries and synchronous condensers in technical unison is a first for the Australian National Electricity Market.

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 GSDA 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 GSDA Energy Hub Project.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Quinbrook as the innovative GSDA Energy Hub Project and the 8-hour EnerQB battery pilot continue to progress.”

Brian Restall, Quinbrook Chief Executive officer said it was fantastic to continue to work closely with Stanwell on market leading, novel projects.

“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 EnerQB 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.”