THE Swanbank energy precinct is celebrating 50 years since the completion of the original coalfired power stations which delivered reliable power and economic opportunities to Southeast Queensland.
Now, as the state powers towards a net zero future, the site is being transformed into a clean energy hub.
This new hub will feature clean energy technologies, including the highly efficient Swanbank E gas-fired power station, enabling CleanCo to support large commercial and industrial businesses on their decarbonisation pathways.
The clean energy hub will include a 250MW battery with two-hour storage capacity to be built on the site of the old Swanbank B power station.
The Queensland Government has locked in $330m from the Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund to progress the development of the battery which will be one of the largest in Queensland.
The Swanbank Clean Energy Hub draft masterplan is being developed with the input from the local community, with 30 people from across Ipswich participating in an innovative co-design process. State MP for Bundamba, Lance McCallum, said the future for this iconic site was bright, with plans for community infrastructure and clean energy options going forward.
“These developments will help make Queensland a world-leading clean energy superpower,” he said.
Former Swanbank employee, John Scott said his family’s association with the Swanbank area goes back to the late 1800s, when my great grandfather bought 40 acres of land here – land which is still in our family.
“I worked at the power station from 1969 to 2003 and I am proud of the contribution the station made to the local area and Queensland.”
