Supernode is a $2.5 billion landmark digital and energy infrastructure project development combining hyperscale data centre infrastructure with large-scale battery energy storage. Located at Brendale, north of Brisbane, Queensland, the project is delivered by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners.
The site is adjacent to the South Pine substation, the central node of Queensland’s electricity transmission network where approximately 80% of the state’s electricity flows each day. The planned project location hosts one of the largest BESS installations in the Australian National Electricity Market (NEM), with up to 780MW (2–4 Hour) to generate stable power supply.
At full development, the 30-hectare campus is planned to accommodate up to four hyperscale data centres with access to as much as 800MW of power supply capacity through three separate high-voltage transmission connections.
The battery storage system and data centre campus are co-located to leverage shared advantages in grid access, reliability, renewable energy integration and highly reliable power infrastructure efficiency.
Arche’s contribution
Arche supported the Supernode Project from the identification of Brendale as the preferred site through to the development of the Supernode BESS and data centre project, acting in Project Manager and Owner’s Engineer roles.
Arche’s scope of work included:
- Led the original siting study and site selection process.
- Oversaw engineering activities for concept and basic design development.
- Undertook plant optimisation.
- Directed procurement and tendering activities.
- Coordinated the network connection process with Powerlink.
- Oversaw the procurement of key equipment and services, including batteries, inverters, integration and D&C packages.
- Developed the design and specifications to PFS level.
- Administered contract management activities.
Arche’s Daniel Nieto has been continuously involved in the Supernode Project for several years as a Principal Engineer and is currently supporting the Stage 4 development. He has contributed across all stages of the project, including:
- Developed the concept design for the Supernode Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility.
- Supported the OEM tendering, technical evaluation, and selection process.
- Provided technical support for Moreton Bay Regional Council planning and development approvals.
- Supported network connection studies, applications, and stakeholder engagement activities.
- Contributed to the project development and delivery strategy across all project stages.
- Led and coordinated commissioning activities for Stage 2 of the utility-scale BESS.
- Planned and executed reliability, performance, and R2 testing activities.
- Coordinated with OEMs, including CATL and GE, on SCADA integration, system testing, and troubleshooting.
- Managed high and low State of Charge (SOC) testing and resolved control system and battery interface issues.
- Acted as a key technical interface between contractors, OEMs, the TNSP, and project stakeholders.
- Developed the concept design for the Stage 4 Data Centre and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility, including site layout, electrical integration, and infrastructure requirements to support reliable and scalable operation.
Arche’s Peter Bradman also supported the project as Principal Consultant and Procurement Manager, supporting project execution and delivery planning for the 750MW Supernode BESS. Peter’s scope of work included:
- Managed the procuring and negotiating construction, integrator and supplier contracts.
- Directed the procurement of batteries, inverters and other equipment.
- Coordinated a multi-contract delivery strategy for the BESS and data centre.
- Supported project execution planning.
Through its technical leadership and project development expertise, Arche supported the successful progression of the Supernode BESS and data centre to provide engineering oversight, plant optimisation, procurement and tender management, network connection support, and contract administration.