Synertec Selected by Amplitude Energy for Orbost Gas Plant Power Optimisation Project

Synertec Corporation (ASX: SOP) has been selected by Amplitude Energy (ASX: AEL) as the preferred proponent for a power optimisation project at the Orbost gas processing plant in Victoria’s Gippsland Basin.

The selection, which follows a competitive request for proposal process, will initially see Synertec complete front-end engineering and design (FEED) for an integrated Powerhouse solar and battery solution.

The proposed system is expected to incorporate approximately two megawatts of solar generation and five megawatt-hours of battery storage, as well as Synertec’s advanced controls, predictive intelligence, and energy optimisation technology.

Subject to Amplitude Energy reaching a final investment decision, the project has an indicative value of between $4.5 million and $5.5m.

FEED Study Begins

The FEED study will include detailed engineering, power system modelling, reliability and availability assessments, safety and regulatory work, implementation planning, and development of a Class 2 cost estimate.

The work represents the first stage of a proposed three-stage development covering design, construction and commissioning, followed by long-term operations, maintenance, and performance support.

Synertec will evaluate both a traditional capital sale and a build, own, operate and maintain structure during the FEED process, which it expects to complete during the first half of the 2027 financial year.

Both models contemplate an ongoing role for Synertec through monitoring, optimisation, maintenance and lifecycle support services.

The preferred structure will be determined as the technical design and commercial parameters are refined, with any subsequent construction and operational stages remaining subject to Amplitude’s final investment decision.

Plant Reliability Targeted

Amplitude is seeking to improve power system reliability, reduce fuel gas consumption and maintenance costs, and potentially operate the Orbost plant normally using a single gas generator.

Synertec’s proposed Powerhouse system would operate alongside the plant’s existing gas generation assets, providing fast-response support, reserve capacity and improved operational resilience.

The integrated platform is also designed to reduce carbon emissions while supporting increased gas production into Australia’s east coast market.

Synertec considers the architecture potentially repeatable across data centres, mining operations, energy infrastructure, and other critical industrial facilities.

The design combines renewable generation, battery storage, predictive controls and energy management technology to improve the performance of established generation assets.

Synertec’s collaboration with Hitachi Energy will also contribute power conversion and grid integration expertise to the proposed system.

Complex Energy Requirements

Managing director Michael Carroll said the selection demonstrated Powerhouse’s ability to address complex industrial energy requirements.

“This award reflects the strength of our Powerhouse platform […] and its growing applicability beyond remote microgrids and into larger industrial energy systems where reliability, operational performance, energy optimisation, and reduced emissions are critical,” Mr Carroll said.

“The architecture being evaluated through the FEED process combines technologies into what will be a highly scalable industrial energy solution.”

“As demand continues to grow for cheaper, reliable and lower-emission power solutions, we believe the ability to optimise and firm existing thermal generation assets using solar, battery storage, advanced controls and predictive intelligence will become an increasingly important market opportunity for Synertec.”