CleanCo and the Crisafulli Government have powered up the 250 MW/500 MWh Swanbank Battery at CleanCo Queensland’s Swanbank Energy Precinct in Ipswich, marking a key commissioning milestone. Now able to operate at full output, the grid-scale battery strengthens reliability, supports peak demand, and complements existing gas generation while final regulatory approvals are completed, reinforcing Queensland’s evolving energy infrastructure strategy.
PROJECT SNAPSHOT
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Swanbank Battery |
| Location | Swanbank Energy Precinct, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia |
| Owner/Operator | CleanCo Queensland |
| Government | Queensland Government |
| Capacity | 250 MW / 500 MWh |
| Storage Duration | 2 hours |
| Technology Supplier | Tesla |
| Project Partner | Energy Queensland |
| Co-located Asset | Swanbank E gas-fired power station |
| Homes Powered (approx.) | 355,000 |
| Status | Commissioning milestone achieved; full output capability prior to final market approvals |
Queensland’s publicly owned energy generator, CleanCo and the Crisafulli Government have powered up the 250 MW/500 MWh Swanbank Battery energy storage system (BESS) in Queensland. Located in Ipswich on the former site of the Swanbank B coal-fired power station, which was decommissioned in 2012, the project marks the first grid-scale battery installed in the region. The grid-scale battery supports the state’s electricity network while final regulatory and market approvals are completed.
The Swanbank BESS includes 138 Tesla Megapack 2XL units and connects to the National Electricity Market (NEM) via a newly built 275 kV substation at Swanbank. At rated output, the facility can deliver electricity equivalent to the consumption of up to 355,000 homes for a two-hour period. The system has been installed adjacent to the Swanbank E gas-fired power station to enable coordinated dispatch between storage and thermal generation.
Through this arrangement, the battery is positioned to provide rapid-response services such as frequency control, system strength support and peak demand management, while the gas-fired plant continues to supply firm capacity to the grid. The integrated setup supports more flexible operation across the broader Swanbank Energy Precinct.
According to the Queensland Government, the project was delivered under budget and forms part of the state’s Energy Roadmap, which sets out measures to maintain grid reliability, manage peak demand and accommodate additional renewable generation. CleanCo worked with Energy Queensland on project delivery, while Tesla supplied the battery technology.
David Janetzki, Treasurer and Minister for Energy, said that the Swanbank Battery demonstrates the role of grid-scale storage in supporting reliability and integrating renewable energy sources.
Tom Metcalfe, CEO of CleanCo said the battery adds operational flexibility to the company’s generation portfolio and provides lower-emissions firming capacity during periods of high demand.