Queensland begins work on 250 MW/ 500 MWh Swanbank BESS

Queensland state has started construction work on one of the biggest batteries in Australia: a 250 MW/ 500 MWh system at Swanbank that will offer two hours of storage capacity.

Queensland's state-owned CleanCo will deliver the $330 million battery in partnership with Tesla and Yurika. The battery will be powered by Tesla Megapacks, while Yurika, also owned by the Queensland government, will handle the energy infrastructure of the project.

Coming up on the former Swanbank B coal-fired power station in the town on Ipswich, the battery will form a pivotal part of the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub. It will store excess solar power generated across the rooftops of Ipswich, then allow it to be used when the sun goes down. The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) component of the project is expected to be complete later this year, with CleanCo planning to have the site energized by mid-2025.

The system is designed for 24/7 operation and boasts remote capabilities, allowing it to supply consistent and controllable clean energy. CleanCo has also prioritized end-of-life planning with a commitment to local recycling facilities for sustainable disposal of the battery, which has a 20-year warranty.

Steven Miles, Premier of Queensland said: "Renewables are driving down the spot wholesale price of power below zero, which is why we will continue to invest in them… It's because of new technologies like this [BESS] that we will reach the ambitious energy targets."

Swanbank will also play a critical role in helping Queensland achieve its target of 70 percent renewables in its energy mix by 2032, as well as the newly-legislated goal of having 75 percent power from renewable sources by 2035.

Tom Metcalfe, CEO of CleanCo, commented: "This project marks our commitment to a sustainable energy future for Queensland, marking the beginning of the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub's transformative journey. The Swanbank Battery will add significant capacity for CleanCo to supply our customers with competitively priced, reliable clean energy around the clock."