Sparc Technologies is advancing in the development of its pilot plant through Sparc Hydrogen, a joint venture involving the University of Adelaide and Fortescue.
Recent developments include signing a Collaboration Framework Agreement with Shinshu University in Japan, aimed at enhancing the development of a solar-driven water-splitting reactor system.
“Sparc is delighted with the progress that the Sparc Hydrogen team has made over recent weeks and months with respect to key development workstreams for the pilot plant,” remarked Nick O’Loughlin, managing director of Sparc Technologies.
“In particular, formalising a relationship with Shinshu University providing a collaboration for the supply of their world-leading photocatalysts for testing in Sparc Hydrogen’s reactors, is a significant milestone.”
Shinshu University Special Contract Professor, Kazunari Domen, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Shinshu University is pleased to collaborate with Sparc Hydrogen on the research, development and field testing of a concentrated sunlight water splitting photocatalytic reaction system.”
The pilot plant’s development has seen other key achievements, including securing the University of Adelaide’s support to locate the plant at its Roseworthy Campus.
This decision underscores Roseworthy’s strategic advantages, including infrastructure accessibility and proximity to key stakeholders.
Sparc Hydrogen continues to refine the design and engineering of its pilot scale water splitting reactor, integrating it with a linear Fresnel concentrated solar field.
This progress builds on prototype testing earlier this year at the CSIRO Energy Centre, setting the stage for potential board approval to proceed with the pilot plant.
The Collaboration Framework Agreement with Shinshu University aims to leverage the university’s involvement in Japan’s ARPChem project, demonstrating advancements in large-scale hydrogen production through photocatalytic water splitting.
