CleanCo Queensland has announced plans to create a Clean Energy Hub at its Ipswich-based energy precinct, which includes a 250MW battery and community co-design elements.
CleanCo is launching an EOI process and seeking community input and launching an EOI process to assess and progress the future development, which will feature solar power, battery storage, and green hydrogen.
The project is part of the Queensland Government’s Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, which aims to make 70 per cent of the state’s energy renewable by 2032.
Ipswich community input is vital as CleanCo looks to a clean energy future alongside site restoration, including an ecological corridor and recreational spaces.
This signals the start of the transformation of Swanbank to become a future Clean Energy Hub that supports more highly skilled, local jobs through clean energy that is complemented by state-of-the-art community amenities.
Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement, Mick de Brenni, said the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan is all about a future of cheaper, cleaner and secure energy for Queenslanders.
“Queenslanders can be assured that their energy system will be safe, stable, and secure for the future,” Minister de Brenni said.
“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.”
Assistant Minister for Hydrogen Development and the 50 per cent Renewable Energy Target by 2030, Lance McCallum, said, “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.
“The Queensland Government is proud to back this publicly owned energy asset for a bright, job creating future, in stark contrast to it being mothballed for sale under the previous LNP Government.”
CleanCo CEO, Tom Metcalfe, said, “At CleanCo, energy is our core business, and we are committed to investing in our portfolio to best match the future energy needs of Queensland.
“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.”
Mr Metcalfe said, “CleanCo 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.
President of Ipswich Region Chamber of Commerce, Phillip Bell, said Swanbank holds a special place in the hearts and minds of many Ipswich locals who have personal connections with the site.
“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,” Mr Bell said.
“We are looking forward to joining CleanCo, local industry and community members to reimagine Swanbank.”
Community members who would like to participate in the co-design process can register expressions of interest via the CleanCo website.
Feature Image: Swanbank Future Clean Energy Hub Concept Sketch. Provided by Queensland Government.
