CLEANCO – Swanbank, Ipswich, QLD

In September 2024, CleanCo Queensland and Allset Energy announced a strategic partnership to explore Australia’s largest sodium-sulfur battery energy storage system (BESS) trial. The pilot project, to be located at the Swanbank Clean Energy Hub in Ipswich, Queensland, aims to set a new benchmark in long-duration battery storage and support Queensland’s renewable energy and emissions reduction goals.

Designed as a grid-connected NAS® BESS, the project would mark several Australian firsts in energy storage technology. It directly supports the Queensland Government’s energy targets—including a 75% reduction in emissions and 80% renewable energy generation by 2035.

Pioneering Battery Storage at Swanbank
The NAS® BESS pilot would be installed at the site of a decommissioned coal-fired power station in Swanbank—strategically located near one of Queensland’s highest electricity demand zones. The project aligns with CleanCo’s vision to repurpose legacy energy infrastructure to power the state’s transition to net zero.

Allset Energy has begun engineering and design activities for a 1.5MW sodium-sulfur battery, capable of delivering between 6 to 12 hours of continuous energy. The system will feature a compact, modular layout and an advanced control system, designed to test scalability and performance in real-world grid conditions.

Collaboration Driving Innovation
The trial with Allset Energy is the result of CleanCo’s proactive engagement with emerging clean technologies to strengthen its renewable energy portfolio. The Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) Energy Storage Research Group is providing knowledge-sharing support throughout the project.

The feasibility study is expected to conclude in 2025, with a final investment decision anticipated soon after. If approved, the battery system could be operational by 2026–2027.

Supporting Grid Reliability and Net Zero
This innovative battery energy storage solution will enhance CleanCo’s ability to supply reliable, low-emission energy, helping meet Queensland’s growing energy demands while supporting grid stability. The project will also complement the Swanbank Big Battery, a lithium-ion phosphate battery currently under construction, creating a diverse and flexible clean energy hub.

As Australia moves toward a net zero energy future, the Swanbank NAS® BESS trial demonstrates how long-duration battery storage technologies can play a critical role in enabling renewable energy integration and grid decarbonisation.