Ampcontrol, Siemens expand partnership

Electrical engineering firm Ampcontrol and industrial technology company Siemens have announced a collaboration agreement covering “technology solutions for battery energy storage and grid applications” for the local renewable energy market.

According to a joint statement from the pair on Wednesday, the agreement is an extension of their existing relationship, which has spanned major energy and renewable projects. It will see Ampcontrol “become the exclusive Australian supplier for solutions for battery energy storage and grid applications” designed around Siemens’ SINAMICS S120 inverters.

“The influx of renewable energy sources in Australia means the greater the challenge for stable and sustainable storage and transmission solutions,” said Rod Henderson, Ampcontrol Managing Director and CEO. 

“Our collaboration with Siemens will ensure that we can deliver these solutions to our customers quicker than we have ever been able to, helping industry to decarbonise and help make net zero a reality.”

Cited in the release was Ampcontrol’s finish in the top 10 for @AuManufacturing’s Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers list for 2024, published last month.

Ampcontrol’s strong showing in the awards was the result of its work on DRIFTEX, a world-first fully explosion protection certified Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) for underground mines.

“It’s great to formalise the relationship with Ampcontrol who we’ve worked with for many years,” added Darryl Kaufmann, Head of Siemens’ Digital Industries Division in Australia and New Zealand.  

This comes at a critical time for the renewable energy sector and the energy transition. A successful energy transition requires collaboration – especially to scale up and meet our net zero commitments,” 

Hunter-based Ampcontrol has over 800 employees around the country and, was founded in 1968. It is the nation’s privately-owned electrical engineering company. 

It has foundations in the coal mining sector in the Hunter Valley, though has diversified through in recent years into renewables and remote area power.

It became 100 per cent owned by long-time majority owner Washington H. Soul Pattinson in 2022, with WHSP saying at the time Ampcontrol was “uniquely positioned to capitalise on the decarbonisation thematic”.

Among recent announcements is its partnership with offshore wind developer, Star of the South, on the proposed Destiny Wind wind farm off the Hunter coast.

Picture: Henderson, Kaufmann, and Peter Halliday, CEO, Siemens Australia and New Zealand (supplied)

Further reading

Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers for 2024 announced

Ampcontrol moves to utilise renewable power

Ampcontrol announces shared Destiny with offshore wind developer

Ampcontrol announces record apprentice intake for 2024

Ampcontrol launches hydrogen standalone power generator

Ampcontrol shows off new EV charger for mine electrification

WHSP to acquire Ampcontrol, citing decarbonisation potential