Swanbank power station to be converted to a clean energy hub

The Queensland Government has announced that the publicly owned CleanCo Queensland has plans to develop a Clean Energy Hub at its Ipswich-based energy precinct, including a 250 MW battery and community co-design elements of the site.

CleanCo is launching an EOI process and seeking community input to assess and progress a future Clean Energy Hub at the former Swanbank coal-fired power station site that includes solar power, battery storage and green hydrogen. The announcement says that 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.

Swanbank is located in a strong part of the Queensland network, with a grid connection capacity of up to 1.2 GW.

“A future Swanbank Clean Energy Hub will deliver our community a precinct that creates more good jobs, enhances the environment and celebrates its rich history,” said Assistant Minister for Hydrogen Development and the 50% Renewable Energy Target by 2030 Lance McCallum.

“At CleanCo, energy is our core business, and we are committed to investing in our portfolio to best match the future energy needs of Queensland,” said CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe. “We are progressing a 250 MW 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.”

“The Ipswich Chamber of Commerce welcomes this sustainable local development opportunity being offered by CleanCo,” said Phillip Bell, President of the Ipswich Region Chamber of Commerce. “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.”

Image: CleanCo Queensland.