Queensland’s energy landscape is set to undergo a transformative shift as Premier Steven Miles, Deputy Premier Cameron Dick, and Energy Minister Mick de Brenni marked the commencement of construction on one of the state’s largest battery projects.
In collaboration with Tesla and Yurika, Queensland’s publicly owned CleanCo is spearheading the development of the $330 million Swanbank Battery, slated to become a cornerstone of the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub and Queensland’s transition towards a clean energy future.
Located on the site of the former Swanbank B coal-fired power station, the Swanbank Battery boasts a capacity of 250MW/500MWh, positioning it as a critical asset capable of storing enough energy to power over two-thirds of Ipswich for two hours nightly, meeting increased demand as daylight fades.
This landmark project, representing CleanCo’s inaugural foray into battery storage, is anticipated to generate approximately 60 jobs during the construction phase and provide up to 10 full-time positions upon operationalisation.
Scheduled for delivery later this year, the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is expected to energise the site by mid-2025, significantly bolstering Queensland’s electricity network with substantial storage capacity.
Premier Steven Miles emphasised his government’s commitment to advancing projects that deliver affordable and cleaner energy to Queensland households, citing the commencement of construction on the Swanbank battery as a prime example of this dedication.
“Renewables are driving down the spot wholesale price of power below zero, which is why we will continue to invest in them,” he highlighted.
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick echoed Premier Miles’s sentiments, affirming the Queensland Government’s commitment to transitioning towards a stronger, decarbonised economy.
“That’s why we have provided $330 million for this project through the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund,” Dick noted.
Meanwhile, Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs Mick de Brenni underscored the tangible action taken by the Miles Government to decarbonise the state’s economy, pointing to the conversion of the Swanbank site into one of Queensland’s first Clean Energy Hubs.
“Conversion of the Swanbank site to a Clean Energy Hub means job security for the local workforce – a key commitment under the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan – this is the same plan the LNP are yet to say if they support or not,” Minister de Brenni remarked.
CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe expressed CleanCo’s commitment to a sustainable energy future for Queensland, noting the Swanbank Battery’s significant capacity to supply customers with competitively priced, reliable clean energy.
The Swanbank Battery initiative underscores the Queensland Government’s commitment to advancing renewable energy projects under the Miles Labor Government’s Big Energy Build initiative.
Funding totalling $330 million has been allocated from the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund to support this undertaking.
