Shell QGC’s Renewable Shift Hinges on Synertec’s Powerhouse Trial Success
Synertec has secured a pivotal contract to supply its zero-emission Powerhouse system to Shell QGC’s Coal Seam Gas operations in Queensland, marking a significant step in industrial decarbonisation.
- Shell QGC awards Synertec a six-month rental contract for Powerhouse microgrid
- Powerhouse delivers zero-emission, AI-driven renewable power for remote CSG sites
- System deployment scheduled for Q4 FY26 in Queensland’s Surat Basin
- Contract underscores scalability and reliability of Synertec’s renewable technology
- Potential for broader rollout across Shell QGC’s 2,800 wells following trial
A Landmark Contract for Renewable Energy in Remote Gas Operations
Synertec Corporation Limited (ASX, SOP) has announced a significant contract win with Shell QGC to supply its innovative Powerhouse system to a Coal Seam Gas (CSG) well site in Queensland’s Surat Basin. This deal, structured as a six-month rental trial, represents a strategic milestone for Synertec as it seeks to expand the footprint of its AI-driven, zero-emission microgrid technology in the energy sector.
The Powerhouse system is designed to provide continuous, reliable renewable power to remote industrial sites without relying on fossil-fuel backup. Its deployment at Shell QGC’s site follows successful installations with other major operators such as Santos and the GLNG Joint Venture, reinforcing Powerhouse’s reputation as a scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional thermal generators.
Technology That Combines AI and Sustainability
At the heart of Powerhouse is a proprietary AI-powered Predictive Intelligence control system, which optimises energy delivery by forecasting weather and managing loads automatically. This ensures uninterrupted power supply even in challenging remote environments, while eliminating the need for fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Synertec’s Managing Director, Michael Carroll, highlighted the strategic alignment of this technology with Shell QGC’s decarbonisation goals. He emphasized the potential for Powerhouse to transition a large portion of Shell QGC’s approximately 2,800 wells to a sustainable energy solution that is both reliable and affordable, without compromising operational efficiency.
Commercial Terms and Market Implications
The contract employs a Build-Own-Operate-Manage (BOOM) model with a flat monthly rental fee over the trial period, allowing Shell QGC to evaluate Powerhouse’s performance in a live setting with minimal risk. If successful, this could pave the way for a wider adoption of the technology across Shell’s operations and potentially other global markets requiring remote, continuous renewable power.
Powerhouse’s modular design and remote monitoring capabilities make it particularly suited for the dynamic power needs of industrial sites, enabling rapid redeployment and scalability. This flexibility, combined with ultra-low maintenance demands, positions Synertec well in a growing market for clean energy solutions in remote industrial applications.
Looking Ahead
With the system expected to be operational and revenue-generating by Q4 FY26, Synertec is poised to demonstrate the commercial viability of its technology on a larger scale. The success of this trial could accelerate the energy transition in the resource sector, offering a blueprint for how AI-driven renewable microgrids can replace fossil-fuel generators in remote locations worldwide.
Bottom Line?
Synertec’s Powerhouse trial with Shell QGC could redefine renewable power standards for remote gas operations.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Shell QGC expand Powerhouse deployment beyond the initial six-month trial?
- How will Powerhouse’s performance compare to traditional fossil-fuel generators in cost and reliability over time?
- What are Synertec’s plans for international expansion following domestic validation?