QUEENSLAND has taken a major step in strengthening its electricity network with one of the State’s largest grid-scale batteries now operating at full capacity.
Located at CleanCo’s Swanbank Energy Precinct in Ipswich, the 250MW/500MWh Swanbank Battery has reached a key commissioning milestone, able to support the electricity grid while final regulatory and market approvals are completed.
The battery, one of the largest in Queensland, will help improve reliability and manage peak demand across the network.
Delivered under budget, the Swanbank Battery works alongside the existing Swanbank E gas-fired power station to provide fast-response energy support and enhance system stability. With two hours of storage and dispatch capacity, it can absorb excess electricity when supply is high and deliver power back into the grid within seconds — enough to supply around 355,000 homes.
Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki said the battery demonstrates how modern infrastructure can support both reliability and renewable energy integration.
“This grid-scale battery is exactly the kind of technology that keeps the lights on, supports renewables and strengthens reliability for Queenslanders,” he said. “At Swanbank, we can see how batteries and gas generation work together, particularly during peak demand periods, to meet the State’s future energy needs.”
CleanCo Chief Executive Officer Tom Metcalfe said the Swanbank Battery was a significant milestone for the company and the Ipswich region.
“The battery is a critical addition to CleanCo’s portfolio, providing greater flexibility to supply reliable, lower-emissions energy when it’s needed most,” Mr Metcalfe said. “At full capacity, it can deliver up to 250MW of electricity for two hours during peak demand. This project reflects the ongoing 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.”
The project was delivered in partnership with Energy Queensland, with Tesla supplying the battery technology, highlighting collaboration between industry and technology leaders to advance Queensland’s energy infrastructure.
