CleanCo Queensland is calling for expressions of interest (EOI) for innovative, technically and commercially ready energy generation and storage technologies for its Swanbank site, as part of the site’s transformation into a clean energy hub.
CleanCo said that it is on the lookout for technologies with a capacity of up to 400MW, which can include hydrogen use and production opportunities. Additionally, EOIs are sought for technologies that can support the decarbonisation of the Swanbank E combined-cycle gas-fired power station.
These new energy options will complement CleanCo’s proposed plan to install a 250MW/500MWh battery at the Swanbank site.
The battery, set to be one of Queensland’s largest, is being supported by a $330 million funding allocation under the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund.
Final Investment Decision on the battery is expected in late 2023. Site works for the battery are anticipated to commence in the first half of 2024 with the battery expected to be operational by mid-2025.
CleanCo has said that it is developing a masterplan to identify opportunities to redevelop the Swanbank site into a clean energy hub.
This EOI process will help CleanCo understand the suitability and commercial readiness of various energy technology options available. Other energy and non-energy uses are also being investigated, including research and development facilities and enhanced community infrastructure.
These ideas are being cultivated through a community co-design process. The draft masterplan is currently available for comment.
CleanCo CEO, Tom Metcalfe, said that CleanCo is building the energy portfolio of the future.
“We are eager to engage with the market on pilot projects of technologies that will be suitable for future grid-scale applications,” Mr Metcalfe said.
“With new technologies comes more opportunity. It is our vision that the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub will generate economic and social prosperity for the Ipswich region for generations to come.”
Featured image: An artist’s rendition of the proposed clean energy hub. Image credit: CleanCo.
