Sparc Hydrogen commences construction of first-of-its-kind green hydrogen pilot plant in South Australia
The pilot plant employs a photocatalyst material to produce green hydrogen directly from water using solar energy – without electrolysers
Sparc Hydrogen has engaged an EPCM contractor to manage construction activities, with plant commissioning expected in mid-2025
Sparc Technologies Limited (ASX: SPN) (Sparc, Sparc Technologies or the Company) is pleased to announce that construction of Sparc Hydrogen’s first-of-its kind photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) pilot plant has commenced. Construction of the pilot plant 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.
Commencement of pilot plant construction at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy Campus follows several key milestones having been delivered by Sparc Hydrogen during Q1 2025 including manufacture of the linear Fresnel concentrated solar field in Europe (currently in transit), execution of an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract with Incitias Pty Ltd, receival of planning consent from the Light Regional Council and commencement of reactor manufacturing. In addition, Sparc announced the granting of the first patent for Sparc Hydrogen’s exclusively licensed PWS reactor technology in January 2025.
Sparc Managing Director, Mr Nick O’Loughlin commented: “It is 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 photocatalytic water splitting. 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 photocatalytic water splitting reinforcing Sparc Hydrogen’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 Pty Ltd.
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 tiein to 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. Sparc Hydrogen is not aware of any similar facilities for testing and scale up of photocatalytic water splitting under concentrated solar conditions. The key objectives of the pilot plant are the same as described in the Stage 2 announcement released 7 January 2025:
Advance Sparc Hydrogen’s PWS reactor from TRL-5 to at least TRL-6 via semi-continuous operation of an ‘on-sun’ pilot plant using concentrated solar mirrors.
Real world demonstration of a concentrated solar field integrated with photocatalytic water splitting for green hydrogen production.
R&D tool allowing on-sun testing of Sparc Hydrogen’s PWS reactors, alternate photocatalysts and balance of plant.
Benchmarking photocatalyst performance and durability under concentrated solar conditions against laboratory testing.
Verify detailed optical, thermal and production modelling.
Understand design and engineering issues to guide further scale up.
Understand operability of key equipment.
Establish safety protocols and operating procedures.
Guide further patenting opportunities.
Showcase technology to new and existing stakeholders and funding bodies.
Facilitate engagement with key equipment suppliers.
Solidify Sparc Hydrogen’s leading position in the development of concentrated solar based PWS reactors with ability to test under real world conditions.
Advantages of Photocatalytic Water Splitting (PWS) Sparc Hydrogen's novel utilisation of PWS technology sets it apart from conventional approaches in the production of green hydrogen. Crucially, PWS does not rely on renewable electricity sources such as solar or wind farms, nor expensive electrolysers, to produce hydrogen from water. This addresses a fundamental issue in the nascent green hydrogen industry - the cost of renewable electricity. Sparc Hydrogen’s pioneering technology employs photocatalyst materials and sunlight to produce green hydrogen directly from water. Hydrogen produced from PWS can serve as a clean fuel or feedstock to decarbonise hard-to-abate industries. The key potential advantages over electrolysis that will be tested and demonstrated by the pilot plant include:
Photocatalysis does not use electricity to produce hydrogen from water thereby decoupling green hydrogen and electricity costs.
The simplicity of PWS being a direct solar to hydrogen production system drives potential for very low costs.
Sunlight is the only energy input driving the process delivering emissions free hydrogen.
Sparc Hydrogen utilises concentrated solar infrastructure which is inherently flexible and scalable.
PWS has a comparative advantage over electrolysis in off-grid and remote locations.
About Sparc Hydrogen Sparc Hydrogen is a joint venture between Sparc Technologies, the University of Adelaide and Fortescue developing next generation green hydrogen technology using a process known as photocatalytic water splitting. This process requires only sunlight, water and a photocatalyst to produce green hydrogen, without an electrolyser. Sparc Hydrogen’s patented reactor utilises concentrated sunlight to improve the economics of PWS and to deliver a modular, scalable system. Given lower infrastructure requirements and electricity use, PWS has the potential to deliver a cost and flexibility advantage over electrolysis. -ENDS- Authorised for release by: Nick O’Loughlin, Managing Director. For more information: Nick O’Loughlin Managing Director Email: info@sparctechnologies.com.au