CleanCo Queensland has unveiled plans for a future Clean Energy Hub at its Ipswich-based energy precinct, including a 250MW Swanbank Battery.
CleanCo is launching an EOI process and asking for community input to assess and progress a potential Clean Energy Hub at Swanbank that will feature solar power, battery storage, and green hydrogen, as enabled under the State Government‘s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
“The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan is all about a future of cheaper, cleaner and secure energy for Queenslanders, with 70% of it renewable by 2032,” Minister Mick de Brenni said.
Minister de Brenni stated that whereas southern states such as NSW are experiencing a chaotic transition in which privatisation has ripped the heart out of their energy grid, Queenslanders can be confident that their energy system will be safe, stable, and secure in the future.
“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 de Brenni added.
The Ipswich community’s input is critical as CleanCo plans for a clean energy future alongside site restoration, including 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,” CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe said.
Metcalfe stated that to guarantee that the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub’s future balances the area’s social, commercial, environmental, and economic results, we are encouraging the community to participate in a genuine co-design process.
“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,” Metcalfe added.
According to the State Government, this marks the beginning of Swanbank’s transformation into a future Clean Energy Hub that will support more highly skilled, local jobs through clean energy, which cutting-edge community amenities will complement.
“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 Lance McCallum said.
Assistant Minister McCallum added that in direct contrast to the previous government’s decision to mothball it for sale, the Palaszczuk Government is happy to support this publicly owned energy asset for a promising future that will lead to the creation of jobs.
Ipswich Region Chamber of Commerce President Phillip Bell stated that the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce supports CleanCo’s opportunity for sustainable local growth. Bell said Swanbank retains a particular place in the hearts and thoughts of many Ipswich residents with personal ties to the property.
“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,” Bell added.
