A groundbreaking grid-scale battery powered by Tesla Megapacks has been officially launched in Queensland, Australia, marking a significant achievement for Tesla’s growing energy storage business. CleanCo Queensland, a publicly owned energy company, has unveiled the Swanbank Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a 250 MW/500 MWh facility situated at the former Swanbank coal power station site in Ipswich.
The $330 million AUD project has repurposed retired coal-fired infrastructure into a modern clean energy hub. The 2-hour duration battery connects to the grid through a new 275 kV substation, utilizing existing transmission infrastructure from the former coal plant to facilitate a faster and more cost-effective integration into Australia’s National Electricity Market.
Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Energy David Janetzki praised the project as a vital component of the state’s evolving energy roadmap. He emphasized the importance of the grid-scale battery in supporting renewables, enhancing system reliability, and ensuring a stable energy supply for Queenslanders, particularly during peak demand periods.
CleanCo CEO Tom Metcalfe highlighted the significance of the Swanbank Battery in CleanCo’s portfolio, providing increased flexibility to deliver reliable, low-emission energy when needed most. The project signifies a significant transformation for the historic site, transitioning from coal to gas-fired stations and now incorporating battery storage technology.
Tesla’s Megapack is a leading utility-grade energy storage solution tailored for grid-scale applications. Each Megapack unit can store approximately 4 MWh of energy and release it as required, aiding utilities in stabilizing demand and integrating renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. With Megapack installations becoming more prevalent in North America and Australia, Tesla’s energy division is rapidly expanding into one of the company’s most strategically important sectors.
Furthermore, Tesla recently introduced Megapack 3 and the modular Megablock system, promising faster deployment and enhanced efficiency. As more projects like Swanbank come online and with additional ventures already in progress, Tesla’s energy division continues to grow as a key pillar of the company’s operations.