Sparc Technologies Limited has announced Sparc Hydrogen has commenced prototype testing of its photocatalytic water splitting reactor (PWS reactor) at the CSIRO Energy Centre.
Highlights
- Testing of Sparc Hydrogen’s photocatalytic water splitting reactor underway at the CSIRO Energy Centre in Newcastle, NSW.
- World-leading demonstration of photocatalytic water splitting using concentrated sunlight.
- Prototype testing to offer invaluable insights for future R&D and pilot plant design.
Sparc Technologies Limited (ASX: SPN), also known as Sparc or Sparc Technologies, is delighted to share an update on the testing of Sparc Hydrogen’s prototype at the CSIRO Energy Centre in Newcastle. The prototype photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) reactor unit has been installed on the solar tower and linked to water, power, and communications. Preliminary tests and calibration with the heliostat field have been completed, and formal testing began on September 13, 2023. Sparc plans to update stakeholders upon completion of the testing program.
Key Objectives
The main goals of this testing are:
- To elevate the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of Sparc Hydrogen’s PWS reactor from 4 to 51, moving one step closer to a market-ready product.
- To gather important data for pilot plant reactor design.
- To benchmark laboratory testing in simulated solar conditions against real-world results.
- To further establish Sparc Hydrogen as a global leader in PWS technology.
Sparc Hydrogen has been awarded $28,688 in funding through the CSIRO Kick-Start Program, an initiative aimed at helping innovative Australian startups and small businesses tap into CSIRO’s research capabilities for growth and innovation.
About Sparc Hydrogen
Sparc Hydrogen is a joint venture comprised of Sparc Technologies (52%), the University of Adelaide (28%), and Fortescue Future Industries (20%). It aims to develop next-gen green hydrogen technology using photocatalytic water splitting (PWS). This process offers an alternative to traditional green hydrogen production via electrolysis, requiring only sunlight, water, and a photocatalyst. Sparc Hydrogen’s patent-pending PWS reactor has the potential to enhance the efficiency of PWS for hydrogen production using concentrated solar energy.
About Sparc Technologies
Sparc Technologies is an Australian company focused on pioneering disruptive technologies across various industries to foster sustainability. With offices in Australia, Europe, and North America, Sparc is centered on three key areas of tech development:
- Sparc has invested over four years in developing ecosparc®, a graphene-based additive product that improves anti-corrosion properties in epoxy coatings by up to 40%.
- Sparc is the majority shareholder of Sparc Hydrogen, which is pioneering PWS green hydrogen production technology.
- Sparc is also developing sodium-ion battery technology in partnership with Queensland University of Technology.
For additional information, please visit:Â sparctechnologies.com.au
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