Construction initiates on Queensland’s largest battery project

As Premier Steven Miles, Deputy Premier Cameron Dick, and Energy Minister Mick de Brenni marked the beginning of construction on one of the state’s largest battery projects, Queensland’s energy landscape is set to undergo a transformative shift.

In a joint effort with Tesla and Yurika, Queensland’s publicly owned CleanCo is leading the improvement of the $330 million Swanbank Battery, scheduled to turn into a foundation of the Swanbank Clean Energy Center point and Queensland’s transition towards a clean energy future.

The Swanbank Battery, which is on the site of the former coal-fired Swanbank B power station and has a capacity of 250 MW/500 MWh, is a crucial asset that can store enough energy to power over two-thirds of Ipswich for two hours every night and meet increased demand as daylight disappears.

It is anticipated that this significant undertaking, which represents CleanCo’s initial venture into battery storage, will result in the creation of approximately 60 jobs during the construction phase and up to 10 full-time positions upon operationalisation.

Booked for delivery later this year, the Battery Energy Storage System is supposed to empower the site by mid-2025, altogether supporting Queensland’s power network with a significant capacity limit.

Premier Steven Miles underlined his administration’s obligation to propelling tasks that convey reasonable and cleaner energy to Queensland families, referring to the initiation of development on the Swanbank battery as a great representation of this commitment.

“Renewables are driving down the spot wholesale price of power below zero, which is why we will continue to invest in them,” Miles said.

“That’s why we have provided $330 million for this project through the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund,” Deputy Premier and Treasurer, Cameron Dick said.

Mick de Brenni, Minister for Energy and Clean Economy Jobs, emphasised the concrete steps the Miles Government took to decarbonise the state’s economy, citing the Swanbank site’s transformation 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,” Brenni said.