Synertec Corporation Limited provided an update on its Powerhouse technology, a unique proprietary technology that allows the utilisation of renewable energy to power industrial applications in remote locations. The Powerhouse system involves a combination of an easily deployable industrial-scale solar panel array, battery storage, and sophisticated predictive algorithms to optimise the generation and consumption of renewable electricity without the need for a back-up power source. At present, the Santos gas wells rely on diesel, gas or hybrid powered generators, or mains grid power.

With the solar array deployed to site in April 2022 and the two Powerhouse battery housings (including the control systems, transformers and inverters) now on site in remote south-central Queensland, site commissioning has commenced. Following this, field trials will confirm theoretical modelling correlation to real life operational scenarios. Synertec entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with leading independent energy producer Santos Ltd. The MOU, which related to the utilisation of the Powerhouse system for coal seam gas (CSG) well de-watering, commenced on 31 July 2021 and was effective for 12 months unless terminated earlier by mutual agreement or replaced by a commercial agreement between the parties.

Synertec is pleased to advise that the parties have now progressed from MOU to commercial agreement, executing on a Santos Goods and Services Contract and Work Order for the Powerhouse prototype system. The parties continue to work together towards commercial terms beyond the prototype. Under the MOU, Synertec successfully progressed the design, construction and testing of the prototype solar energy power system.

Santos supported these activities by providing pilot field site access, inputs into the project design, technical information pertaining to the pilot field sites, and technical and other engineering resources. The parties will ultimately determine success of the project based on the achievement of a range of key technical objectives and field practicalities, expected during 1H FY23, including safety, system availability, battery performance, remote control, support for high power loads, footprint size, transportability and recyclability.