Swanbank E gas-fired power station near Ipswich has reached a new milestone by producing its highest output ever recorded. The station generated 385 megawatts (MW), briefly peaking at 387MW, exceeding its technical design target. This achievement marks a significant performance boost for the publicly owned power asset.
The record output comes after an $80 million maintenance and upgrade program finished late last year. The work included major turbine repairs that improved efficiency, lowered emissions, and increased operational flexibility. The project also supported the local economy by generating $3 to $4 million in local business and service contracts.
A strong focus on investing in existing energy infrastructure helped deliver this result. A $1.6 billion Electricity Maintenance Guarantee sets a clear plan for ongoing investment and accountability across Queensland’s power assets.
More than $5 billion is set to be invested by state-owned corporations in the energy supply chain during the 2025-26 financial year. These investments aim to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to households and businesses across the state.
The record generation from Swanbank E highlights the important role that existing power stations play in meeting Queensland’s energy needs. This milestone shows what is possible when assets receive proper care and investment.