Investment manager Quinbrook is building an in-house construction team in Australia as it enters the execution phase on its battery storage pipeline across the country. The firm, which has prioritized Australia after a decade of US activity, plans to grow its local team to 20-30 people focused on oversight, quality control, and engineering procurement and construction management.

Co-founder David Scaysbrook said the move responds to Australia's constrained labor market, where the energy sector faces a projected shortfall of 17,400 workers by 2030. Unlike the US where construction markets are deep and dominated by large firms, Australia's shortage of electricians and high-voltage engineers has pushed Quinbrook to bring capabilities in-house. The strategy will be unique to Australia.

Quinbrook's Australian portfolio includes A$4-5 billion in battery storage campuses across Gladstone, Townsville, and Brisbane. The firm recently secured approval for its 780MW Supernode North BESS near Townsville and commenced commercial operations on a 260MW project in Brisbane. With about 10 sites secured nationwide, Quinbrook aims to replicate its Queensland strategy in New South Wales while developing more solar-and-battery hybrid projects.