Big Ipswich battery powers up
The Crisafulli Government has switched on a new full-capacity grid-scale battery in Ipswich, though Labor claims responsibility for kickstarting the project back in 2024.
The state government has today powered on a large-scale battery project located at CleanCo’s Swanbank Energy Precinct in Ipswich.
The 250MW/500MWh Swanbank Battery is one of the largest in Queensland, capable of functioning at full output, and will support the state’s electricity network while final regulatory and market approvals are completed as part of the state government’s Energy Roadmap.
The Crisafulli Government says the battery will be delivered under budget and work in tandem with existing generation alongside a gas-fired power station to provide fast-response energy support, improve system stability and help manage peak demand.
The battery will feature a two-hour storage and dispatch capacity, the ability to absorb excess water in high supply, and dispatch power back into the grid within seconds when needed, powering around 355,000 homes.
Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki said the delivery of the Swanbank Battery would support the overall electricity network.
“At Swanbank, we can see how batteries and gas generation work together to support system reliability, particularly during peak demand periods,” Janetzki said.
“This demonstrates how existing energy infrastructure can be used to advance new technologies and that will help meet Queensland’s future energy needs.”
Lance McCallum MP, member for Bundamba, claimed the Swanbank Battery was a project that Labor launched the construction of back in February 2024.
“Our community remembers when the LNP closed Swanbank E to sell it off. Labor reopened it and with a bright future as our first Clean Energy Hub – starting with this big battery,” McCallum said.
“It’s pretty sad to see the LNP now trying to claim credit for it. Their real legacy so far is higher power prices, cutting energy rebates and sending clean energy jobs and investment into other states.”
CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe said the Swanbank Battery is a major milestone for CleanCo and Ipswich.
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“The Swanbank Battery is a critical addition to CleanCo’s portfolio, providing greater flexibility to supply reliable, lower-emissions energy to our customers when it’s needed most,” Metcalfe said.
“At full capacity, the battery can deliver up to 250MW of electricity for two hours during peak demand periods.
CleanCo partnered with Energy Queensland to help deliver the Swanbank Battery project, with the battery technology supplied by Tesla.
“This project reflects the continued evolution of the Swanbank site, from coal to gas-fired stations and now battery storage, reinforcing CleanCo’s role in supporting Queensland’s energy system with dependable, lower-emission firming generation,” Metcalfe said.
