Queensland, Australia, has commenced construction on the Swanbank Battery, a 250MW/500MWh energy storage system. This initiative, a collaboration between CleanCo, Tesla, and Yurika, marks the inception of one of Queensland’s largest publicly owned batteries, situated at the site of the former Swanbank B coal-fired power station.
Premier Steven Miles, alongside Deputy Premier Cameron Dick and Energy Minister Mick de Brenni, officially announced the start of the project, which is poised to play a crucial role in the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub. This hub has been a cornerstone of Queensland’s energy supply for over half a century.
The $330 million project, funded by the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund, is expected to generate approximately 60 jobs during its construction phase and maintain up to 10 full-time positions upon completion. The battery’s two-hour storage capacity is designed to power more than two-thirds of Ipswich during peak evening hours, leveraging solar energy generated across local rooftops.
Premier Steven Miles expressed his government’s commitment to clean energy, stating, “My government will always champion projects that deliver cheaper, cleaner energy to Queensland households. It’s because of new technologies like this that we will reach the ambitious energy targets put before parliament.”
“This project marks our commitment to a sustainable energy future for Queensland, marking the beginning of the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub’s transformative journey,” added CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe.
“Energy infrastructure is at the core of what we do, and we’re really looking forward to the partnership with CleanCo Queensland, Tesla and of course the local community to reimagine Swanbank through its Clean Energy Hub,” said Belinda Watton, Executive General Manager of Yurika, in a statement on Sunday.
The Swanbank Battery is set to enhance CleanCo’s renewable energy portfolio, with a focus on sustainable end-of-life planning and a 20-year warranty for the BESS.
