A joint venture between Sparc Technologies, Fortescue (ASX:FMG) Limited and the University of Adelaide (UoA) to develop a world-first pilot plant using innovative photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) technology to produce green hydrogen will proceed to the next stage.
The novel reactor technology of the Sparc Hydrogen joint venture is intended to produce hydrogen directly from water and sunlight without relying on electrolysers or electricity grids.
This approach aims to decouple green hydrogen production from the high costs of renewable electricity, offering a streamlined solution for decarbonising hard-to-abate industries.
Pilot plant progress
Stage 2, for which the three partners have formally committed to, is focused on construction and testing a first-of-its-kind pilot plant supporting ongoing reactor development and scale-up along with ongoing laboratory testing of PWS reactors under a range of conditions.
Front-end engineering and design (FEED) for the pilot plant is complete and construction is expected to begin early in 2025.
The decision to proceed to Stage 2 reflects several key milestones achieved in recent months and is a strong endorsement of the potential of Sparc Hydrogen’s novel technology to unlock low-cost green hydrogen via PWS.
First mover position
Sparc Hydrogen believes that the pilot plant will represent a globally leading facility for R&D and commercialisation of PWS reinforcing Sparc Hydrogen’s first mover position in this emerging direct solar to hydrogen technology.
The JV's managing director Nick O’Loughlin said: "Sparc Technologies is very pleased to be pursuing Stage 2 of the Sparc Hydrogen joint venture alongside its supportive world-class partners.
"A significant amount of work has gone into this positive investment decision which is a reflection on the R&D team, strong IP position and high potential of the technology to unlock low-cost green hydrogen without relying on electrolysers, stretched electricity grids and related infrastructure.”
Plant derisked
Development of the pilot plant has been materially derisked with the following key workstreams well progressed or complete:
- Front-end engineering and design (FEED) study by global engineering and commercial service provider Incitias Pty Ltd is complete validating the technical feasibility of the project.
- Site planning reports have been submitted to the Light Regional Council with approvals expected in January 2025.
- Procurement of long-lead equipment for the pilot plant including the linear Fresnel (LFR) concentrated solar system is underway with delivery expected late Q1 2025.
- Design of the pilot scale PWS reactors has been finalised with drawings submitted to manufacturing contractors for review.
- Agreement for the supply of photocatalyst materials for the pilot plant from Shinshu University is ready for execution.
- Lease agreement between Sparc Hydrogen and the UoA for the Roseworthy site is finalised and ready for execution.
- Engineering, procurement and construction management contract is under review.
Innovative technology
“Fortescue is proud to continue its support of Sparc Hydrogen and its innovative photocatalytic water splitting technology," said Fortescue director of Research & Development Michael Dolan
"This Australian innovation has the potential to make green hydrogen an even more competitive energy resource by decoupling its cost from the cost of green power.
"The Phase 2 pilot plant will enable this promising technology to be evaluated at a meaningful scale ahead of potential commercial deployment in the future.”
Based on the current schedule provided by Incitias, pilot plant construction completion 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.
Sparc Hydrogen is not aware of any similar facilities for testing and scale-up of photocatalytic water splitting under concentrated solar conditions worldwide.
Competitive position
UoA deputy vice-chancellor (research), Professor Anton Middelberg said: "The University is pleased to commit to this next stage of work on photocatalytic water splitting, based on the outstanding research work of Professor Greg Metha and his team.
“The core IP developed by Professor Metha relates to PWS reactors operating under concentrated solar energy.
“This investment into constructing a pilot plant enables us to stress-test catalysts developed globally and places South Australia in a position of competitiveness in terms of testing innovative hydrogen technologies.”