Following entry into full form documentation, APA will lead delivery of the project and, on satisfaction of conditions, acquire an 80% ownership interest in the power plant. CS Energy will operate and maintain the power plant and retain a 20% ownership interest. 

The power plant will be situated adjacent to CS Energy's Kogan Creek Power Station in Queensland. The Brigalow Peaking Power Plant will be Queensland’s first new gas-fired power station in more than ten years and forms part of the Queensland Government’s roadmap to expand gas generation capacity. The plant will deliver firming capacity during periods of peak electricity demand, complementing variable renewable energy. Further information is available in APA Group’s announcement here. 

The MinterEllison deal team was led by Alex Other-Gee (Partner, Energy, Resources & Projects), along with Dave Pearce (Partner, Projects, Infrastructure and Construction) leading the construction workstream, supported by a multidisciplinary team across Energy, Resources & Projects, Projects, Infrastructure & Construction, Environment & Planning, Employment and Real Estate. 

The transaction underscores MinterEllison’s expertise in advising on complex energy projects that support Australia’s transition to a lower-carbon future.  

Simon Scott (Partner, Energy, Resources & Projects and Energy and Resources Industry Lead) who formed part of the core team, said: “We are very pleased to have supported APA Group on this strategic transaction with CS Energy. As a market leader in energy transmission and infrastructure, including gas powered generation, APA's investment in the Brigalow Peaking Power Plant will play a critical role in maintaining grid reliability as Queensland increases its dependence on renewable generation." 

Brendan Clark (Partner, Energy, Resources & Projects and Managing Partner – International), also a member of the core team, added: “This transaction also demonstrates how innovative approaches that combine public and private expertise and capital can support energy security and facilitate the energy transmission.”