One of Queensland’s largest grid-scale batteries has reached full operational capacity at the Swanbank Energy Precinct in Ipswich, marking a significant milestone for energy storage in the region.
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The 250MW/500MWh Swanbank Battery can now operate at full output while completing final regulatory and market approvals. Located at the historic Swanbank site near Springfield Lakes, the massive battery facility has the capacity to power approximately 355,000 homes—enough for two-thirds of Ipswich for two hours.
The project represents a major evolution for the Swanbank Energy Precinct, which has been generating electricity for Queensland for more than 50 years. The battery sits alongside the existing Swanbank E gas-fired power station, demonstrating how modern energy storage technology can work in tandem with traditional generation infrastructure.
CleanCo Chief Executive Officer Tom Metcalfe said the battery was a major milestone for both the company and 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,” Mr Metcalfe said.
“At full capacity, the battery can deliver up to 250MW of electricity for two hours during peak demand periods.”
The facility works by absorbing excess energy when supply is high and dispatching it back into the grid within seconds when demand peaks. This rapid-response capability helps improve system stability and manage peak demand periods.
For Springfield Lakes residents, the Swanbank Energy Precinct represents a significant local energy infrastructure development. The battery technology was supplied by Tesla.
The project has been delivered under budget through a partnership between state-owned CleanCo and Energy Queensland. Treasurer and Energy Minister David Janetzki noted that the facility demonstrates how existing energy infrastructure can be used to advance new technologies, particularly during peak demand periods.
Mr Metcalfe emphasised the site’s ongoing transformation and its role in supporting Queensland’s energy needs.
“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,” he said.
The battery forms part of Queensland’s broader Energy Roadmap, which anticipates 3.1GW of short-duration battery storage across the state by 2030. The Swanbank facility’s two-hour storage and dispatch capacity enables it to support the integration of renewable energy into the grid.
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As the facility completes its final approvals before entering full commercial operation, it demonstrates the evolution of historic energy sites. For Springfield Lakes families and businesses, the Swanbank Energy Precinct’s latest addition supports more reliable electricity supply during peak demand periods, continuing the site’s decades-long role in powering the region.
Published 11-February-2026
