United States-headquartered large-scale solar systems DC optimiser manufacturer Ampt has partnered with New Zealand-based green hydrogen company Hiringa Energy in a landmark collaboration to advance low-carbon agriculture. The partnership is focused on powering a solar plus storage system that will supply clean energy to Hiringa’s hydrogen and ammonia production facility, part of the Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia (GEGHA) project near Moree, New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Located approximately 645 kilometres northwest of Sydney, the GEGHA project integrates renewable energy technologies to support Sundown Pastoral’s low-carbon cotton production operations. It features a 27 MWdc solar array coupled with a 30 MWh battery energy storage system. Ampt’s string optimiser technology allows for a DC-coupled system design where the solar array connects directly to the DC bus between the battery and grid-forming battery inverter.

These string optimisers, which are DC/DC converters deployed within the solar field, perform maximum power point tracking (MPPT) on each input string of solar modules. This enables maximum energy generation by delivering full available power while following the battery voltage as it charges and discharges. The configuration provides improved efficiency and greater control over power flow, ensuring the system can reliably power the hydrogen and ammonia production processes.

Ampt’s advanced DC power management design delivers high efficiency and low-cost power control, using fewer inverters and transformers than conventional systems. Its battery-centric approach supports advanced grid service capabilities such as Frequency Control Ancillary Services (FCAS) while enabling rapid response times for power fluctuations.

Partially funded by the NSW Government with USD 23 million (AUD 35.8 million) under the Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020–2030, the GEGHA project demonstrates how renewable power and hydrogen can decarbonise agricultural value chains. The hybrid power plant produces green hydrogen to supply the ammonia facility continuously, 24 hours a day, supporting domestic fertiliser and feedstock production with minimal emissions.

Source:

https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2025/10/28/solar-plus-storage-system-to-power-green-hydrogen-agriculture-project/