Ampt Technology Powers Australia’s Green Hydrogen Breakthrough
Ampt, the world’s leading DC optimizer company for large-scale photovoltaic (PV) systems, has announced that its String Optimizers will power a landmark green hydrogen project in Australia. The technology will be deployed by Hiringa Energy, a developer of renewable hydrogen infrastructure, to support a low-carbon cotton production initiative at Sundown Pastoral’s Good Earth farm in New South Wales (NSW).
The initiative forms part of the Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia (GEGHA) project—an innovative solar-to-hydrogen-to-ammonia facility designed to advance sustainable agriculture. Backed by AUD $35.8 million ($23.6 million) in funding from the NSW Government under its Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020–2030, the GEGHA project represents a new era of collaboration between renewable energy, agriculture, and hydrogen production.
Located near Moree, the project’s engineering was led by Kinelli, and brings together experts from solar, hydrogen, and agribusiness to create a model of energy alignment where supply directly meets demand. By leveraging renewable power sources, the project replaces imported, high-carbon fertilizers with locally produced, low-carbon ammonia—paving the way for a cleaner and more resilient agricultural future.
Driving Sustainable Cotton Production
Producing hydrogen through electrolysis requires significant energy. Traditionally, this power has come from fossil fuels, limiting the environmental benefits of hydrogen. The GEGHA project, however, takes a different approach—combining solar generation with battery energy storage to deliver a renewable, low-emission power source for hydrogen production.
This green hydrogen is then converted into ammonia fertilizer with a minimal carbon footprint, which Sundown Pastoral uses to cultivate cotton. By integrating green hydrogen and ammonia into its operations, Sundown Pastoral is not only cutting emissions but also securing the price and supply of fertilizer for the next two decades. The move positions the company as a leader in sustainable cotton production, aligning with the global textile and fashion industries’ growing demand for traceable, low-carbon supply chains.
“By delivering higher performance and lower costs, our String Optimizers help make renewable hydrogen and ammonia economically competitive,” said Russell French, Country Director for Australia at Ampt. “This project is a powerful demonstration of how advanced DC optimization can unlock the full potential of renewable energy.”
A Battery-Centric Design for Round-the-Clock Hydrogen
The GEGHA project features a 27 MWdc solar array paired with a 30 MWh battery energy storage system—a scale that enables continuous production. Ampt’s String Optimizers are central to this success, enabling a DC-coupled architecture that connects the PV system directly to the DC bus between the battery and grid-forming inverter.
This innovative design ensures efficient power flow between solar generation, storage, and electrolyzers, creating a battery-centric system capable of powering hydrogen production 24 hours a day. The hybrid power plant delivers clean, stable energy for continuous ammonia synthesis, reducing reliance on the grid and fossil energy inputs.
“Integrating Ampt’s technology was critical to achieving our system design and performance targets,” said Alistair Tippett, Head of Projects and Engineering at Hiringa Energy. “Green hydrogen and ammonia production place unique demands on power systems. Ampt’s DC power management technology allows us to maximize solar generation and storage efficiency—key factors in making production cost-competitive. We look forward to deploying similar systems across New Zealand and Australia.”
Advanced Technology for Maximum Efficiency
Ampt’s String Optimizers are sophisticated DC/DC converters deployed at the PV array level. Each performs maximum power point tracking (MPPT) on individual strings of solar modules, ensuring that every string operates at its optimal efficiency. The optimizers then deliver full available power to the system while adjusting dynamically to the battery’s charging and discharging cycles.
This precision power management not only enhances energy yield but also improves reliability and flexibility. Ampt’s battery-centric designs are particularly valued for their rapid response times and capability to provide Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS)—a critical grid stability function in modern renewable systems.
Compared with traditional AC-coupled systems, Ampt’s architecture uses fewer inverters and transformers, significantly reducing costs while boosting overall system efficiency. The result is a simpler, more cost-effective, and higher-performing solution for large-scale renewable and hydrogen projects.
Pioneering the Future of Renewable Hydrogen
The success of the GEGHA project underscores the growing role of advanced power electronics in enabling next-generation clean energy systems. As Australia accelerates toward its decarbonization goals, projects like this highlight how strategic technology integration can make renewable hydrogen both scalable and economically viable.
By aligning renewable energy generation with industrial and agricultural needs, Ampt, Hiringa Energy, and Sundown Pastoral are creating a blueprint for low-carbon agriculture and green fertilizer production—one that could be replicated across the region and beyond.
About Ampt
Ampt delivers cutting-edge power conversion and communication technologies that reduce the cost and enhance the performance of both new and existing PV systems. Its solutions also enable cost-efficient DC-coupled energy storage, helping accelerate the global transition to renewable energy. With installations worldwide, Ampt is recognized as the #1 DC optimizer company for large-scale systems. Headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, Ampt maintains sales and support operations across North America, Europe, Japan, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East.
About Hiringa Energy
Hiringa Energy is a New Zealand–based hydrogen company focused on delivering low-carbon energy solutions for hard-to-abate sectors, including agriculture, transport, and industry. Since 2016, the company has led the development of utility-scale hydrogen production projects and green ammonia facilities powered by renewable energy.
Hiringa operates Australasia’s first and only green hydrogen refuelling network and is advancing several major infrastructure projects, such as a green hydrogen refuelling corridor between Sydney and Brisbane, and the Kapuni Green Hydrogen Project in partnership with Ballance in Taranaki, New Zealand.
Together, Ampt and Hiringa Energy are proving that smart technology and clean power can work hand in hand to reshape the future of farming, energy, and sustainability in Australia and beyond.
