Queensland has welcomed the new grid-scale Swanbank Battery, which is now able to operate at full capacity to boost electricity network reliability.
Located at government-owned CleanCo’s Swanbank Energy Precinct in Ipswich, the 250MW/500MWh Swanbank Battery is one of the largest in Queensland and has reached a key commissioning milestone, able to operate at full output and support the state’s electricity network while final regulatory and market approvals are completed.
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The large-scale battery project, located alongside the Swanbank E gas-fired power station,nwill work in tandem with existing generation to provide fast-response energy support, improve system stability and help manage peak demand.
With a two-hour storage and dispatch capacity, the Swanbank Battery can absorb excess energy when supply is high, and dispatch power back into the grid within seconds when it is needed, powering around 355,000 homes.
The Swanbank Battery complements existing generation at Swanbank E.
CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe said the Swanbank Battery was a major milestone for CleanCo and for Ipswich.
“The Swanbank Battery is a critical addition to CleanCo’s portfolio, providing greater flexibility to supply reliable, lower-emissions energy to our customers when it’s needed most,” Metcalfe said.
“At full capacity, the battery can deliver up to 250MW of electricity for two hours during peak demand periods.
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“This project reflects the continued evolution of the Swanbank site, from coal to gas-fired stations and now battery storage, reinforcing CleanCo’s role in supporting Queensland’s energy system with dependable, lower-emission firming generation.”
CleanCo partnered with Energy Queensland to help deliver the project, with Tesla supplying the battery technology.
