Publicly owned CleanCo Queensland has announced plans for a Clean Energy Hub future at its Ipswich-based energy precinct, including a 250MW battery and community co-designed elements of the Swanbank Power Station site.
CleanCo is launching an expression-of-interest (EOI) process and seeking community input to assess and progress a future Clean Energy Hub at Swanbank that includes solar power, battery storage, and green hydrogen, enabled by the Palaszczuk Government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
The Swanbank E combined-cycle gas-fired power station is one of the most efficient and flexible low-emission gas generators in Australia.
It is located in a critical part of the Queensland network, with a grid connection capacity of up to 1.2 gigawatts.
Ipswich community input is vital as CleanCo looks to a clean energy future alongside site restoration, including an ecological corridor and recreational spaces.
This signals the start of the transformation of Swanbank to become a future Clean Energy Hub that supports more highly skilled, local jobs through clean energy that is complemented by state-of-the-art community amenities.
Queensland’s Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan was all about a future of cheaper, cleaner and secure energy for Queenslanders, with 70% of it renewable by 2032.
De Brenni added: “While southern states like NSW are seeing a disorderly transition, where privatisation has ripped the heart out of their energy grid, Queenslanders can be assured that their energy system will be safe, stable, and secure for the future.
“Because we’ve kept the system in public ownership, we can control the transition by not shutting the gate on our power stations, their workers, or communities who will play a leading role in the energy transformation.”
CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe said energy was the core business at CleanCo, and the company was committed to investing in its portfolio to best match the future energy needs of Queensland.
He continued: “We are progressing a 250MW battery project and are seeking expressions of interest for alternative energy options including potential hydrogen production and hydrogen use, while also exploring alternative energy storage options.
“Through an authentic co-design process, we are asking the community to reimagine the future of the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub to ensure we balance social, commercial, environmental and economic outcomes for the region.
“We will not just be asking ‘what do you think?’, but rather, ‘what does the community need and value?’ and ‘how can we collaborate to create the masterplan together and build enduring partnerships?’ – and we are committed to delivering genuine outcomes from this process.”
Quotes attributable to Phillip Bell, President, Ipswich Region Chamber of Commerce President Phillip Bell welcomed the sustainable local development opportunity being offered by Cleanco, noting Swanbank held a special place in the hearts and minds of many Ipswich locals who have personal connections with the site.
Bell said: “This authentic co-design opportunity will allow Ipswich businesses and residents to establish genuine partnerships with CleanCo and develop a space that contributes to the economic and social vitality of the region.
“We are looking forward to joining CleanCo, local industry and community members to reimagine Swanbank.”
