Expressions of Interest process begins for Swanbank Clean Energy Hub

CleanCo Queensland – a publicly owned energy company – has revealed the plans for the transformation of the old coal power station at Swanbank, near Ipswich. 

The master plan for the future Swanbank Clean Energy Hub is proposed to include a 250MW battery storage along with solar power and green hydrogen facilities. 

The development of the Clean Energy Hub at Swanbank is enabled by the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, and it will form part of the State Government’s 70 per cent renewables target by 2032. 

“The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan is all about a future of cheaper, cleaner and secure energy for Queenslanders, with 70 per cent of it renewable by 2032. 

“Because we’ve kept the system in public ownership, we can control the transition by not shutting the gate on our power stations, their workers, or communities who will play a leading role in the energy transformation,” Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said. 

Project concept sketch (source: Queensland Government)

CleanCo is going to carry out an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process that will allow the community to get involved in the project, giving the community a chance to co-design the elements of the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub. 

Input from the Ipswich community is vital to the development as CleanCo seeks to deliver a clean energy future alongside the restoration of the project site – which will include an ecological corridor and recreational spaces. 

“We are progressing a 250MW 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. 

“We will not just be asking “what do you think?” but rather, “what does the community need and value?” and “how can we collaborate to create the masterplan together and build enduring partnerships?” – and we are committed to delivering genuine outcomes from this process,” CleanCo Queensland CEO Tom Metcalfe said. 

This signals the beginning of the transformation of the Swanbank precinct into a Clean Energy Hub that will support more highly skilled, local jobs through renewables, complemented by state-of-the-art community amenities. 

The transformation of the old Swanbank Power Station presents significant potential for new energy opportunities that complement the existing 385MW Swanbank E Power Station as well as opportunities for non-energy uses such as research and development. 

“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,” Assistant Minister for Hydrogen Development and the 50% Renewable Energy Target by 2030 Lance McCallum said. 

“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,” Ipswich Region Chamber of Commerce President Phillip Bell said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; CleanCo Queensland (1, 2); ABC News; Australian Mining; PV Magazine Australia