Concentrated Solar Thermo-Photocatalytic Water Splitting

April 1st, 2023

R&D Focus Areas:
Photochemical and photocatalytic processes

Lead Organisation:
Sparc Hydrogen

Partners:
Sparc Technologies, Fortescue, University of Adelaide, Flinders University

Status:
Active

Start date:
January 2022

Completion date:
June 2026

Key contacts:
Vinod Gopalan; vinodhan.gopalan@sparchydrogen.com

Funding:
Direct funding by industry partners

Project total cost:
AUD$8 million cash funding

Project summary description:
Sparc Hydrogen is developing next generation green hydrogen technology using a process known as photocatalytic water splitting (PWS). This process is an alternative to producing green hydrogen via electrolysis, using only sunlight, water and a photocatalyst. Sparc Hydrogen’s patented solar reactor is demonstrated to improve the efficiency of PWS to separate hydrogen from water. Given lower infrastructure requirements, and energy use, if successful, the ‘Sparc Green Hydrogen’ process has the potential to deliver a cost competitive advantage over electrolysis driven by costly renewable energy. With the technology proven in a prototype testing at CSIRO’s Energy Centre in 2024, Sparc Hydrogen is embarking on a pilot testing phase to advance the technology to TRL 6-7.

An Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management (EPCM) contractor has been engaged to undertake detailed design and deliver the project in a collaborative effort. Site work commenced on 11 March 2025 at the Adelaide University’s Roseworthy Campus and is expected to continue to mid-2025. Once completed, this first of its kind research facility will showcase the technology and allow testing of various photocatalysts and improved reactors under real world conditions.

Higher degree studies supported:
Two PhD students are supported by this project.

Reviewed: March 2025