Sparc Hydrogen is celebrating a milestone in the development of its next-generation green hydrogen technology, with construction commencing on a new pilot plant in South Australia.
The photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) pilot plant – located at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy Campus – will employ a photocatalyst material to produce green hydrogen directly from water using solar energy, without electrolysers.
Sparc Hydrogen has engaged an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contractor to manage the construction activities, with plant commissioning expected in mid-2025.
The milestone demonstrates strong progress towards the development of next-generation green hydrogen production by the Sparc Hydrogen joint venture partners, Sparc Technologies, Fortescue Limited and the University of Adelaide.
Sparc Hydrogen announced the granting of the first patent for its exclusively licensed PWS reactor technology in January 2025.
Nick O’Loughlin, Sparc Managing Director, said it’s very rewarding to see progress being made both at Roseworthy and in the factory towards delivering a globally leading facility for green hydrogen production via PWS.
“In an environment where major challenges exist for hydrogen projects due to the high cost of power, the requirement for new solutions to unlock low-cost green hydrogen without relying on electrolysers has never been higher.”
Sparc Hydrogen believes that the Roseworthy pilot plant will represent a globally leading facility for R&D and commercialisation of PWS, reinforcing the company’s first mover position in this emerging direct solar to hydrogen technology.
Development of the pilot plant has been progressed materially during Q1 2025, with the following key milestones achieved:
- EPCM contract executed with global engineering and commercial service provider, Incitias
- Planning consent received from the Light Regional Council allowing construction to commence
- Manufacturing of the linear Fresnel (LFR) concentrated solar system is complete with delivery to site expected during April 2025
- Manufacturing of Sparc Hydrogen’s pilot scale PWS reactors has commenced. These reactors will tie into the off-the-shelf LFR field
- Lease agreement term sheet between Sparc Hydrogen and the University of Adelaide executed
- Mobilisation of civil contractors and commencement of site works
- A first patent for Sparc Hydrogen’s exclusively licensed PWS reactor technology was granted in January 2025, with 17 other jurisdiction-based reviews in progress.
Based on the current construction schedule provided by Incitias, pilot plant commissioning is expected in mid 2025.
When built, the pilot plant will allow Sparc Hydrogen to independently and concurrently test different reactor designs and photocatalyst materials.
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