The Sparc Hydrogen Advanced Research Pilot (SHARP) is celebrating its official launch at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus.
The project marks a first in green hydrogen reactor technology, with SHARP acting as a test bed for photocatalytic water splitting (PWS), a process which harnesses the sun’s energy to extract green hydrogen from water, without the need for electrolysers powered by electricity.
SHARP is a joint venture between Sparc Technologies, Fortescue and the University of Adelaide, and it is hoped the technology will be a potential game-changer in the global effort to deliver scalable, low-cost, renewable hydrogen.
The project is set to accelerate the development of Sparc Hydrogen’s patented PWS reactor technology and is expected to enable real-world evaluation of PWS catalysts being developed globally.
In bringing together the world’s best reactor and catalyst technologies, and invaluable operational experience, SHARP represents a major step forward in solar hydrogen commercialisation.
The commissioning ceremony at the University’s Roseworthy campus marks the fruition of years of university research and months of work.
The University of Adelaide said despite decades of research and notable advancements, the efficiency of PWS remains a key challenge to reaching commercialisation.
The SHARP pilot plant aims to improve the economics of producing green hydrogen using PWS through driving increased efficiencies within modular and scalable concentrated solar infrastructure.
In the lead up to commissioning of the plant, front-end engineering and design was undertaken by global engineering and commercial service provider Incitias, while Sparc Hydrogen’s photocatalytic water splitting reactor – which is being commissioned using photocatalysts developed by Shinshu University in Japan – was developed at the University of Adelaide’s School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences.
University of Adelaide Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Anton Middelberg, said the project demonstrates how the university is working with industry partners to develop new pathways for the translation of world-class research conducted in South Australia.
“This project aims to respond to one of the great challenges of our times: the development of green energy solutions for a sustainable future for society.”
Sparc Hydrogen Lead Researcher and Inventor, Greg Metha, said, “The SHARP plant at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus will allow us to independently and concurrently test different reactor designs and photocatalyst materials.
“This next-generation PWS technology has major advantages over electrolysis as it offers the potential to produce low cost, scalable green hydrogen and heat without significant electricity use.”
Fortescue Director of R&D, Michael Dolan, said Fortescue is investing in a suite of technologies that can accelerate decarbonisation at an industrial scale.
“The SHARP pilot demonstrates the power of partnership in pushing the boundaries of green hydrogen innovation. Photocatalytic water splitting has long-held promise and this project is a step toward unlocking its commercial potential.”
Sparc Technologies Managing Director, Nick O’Loughlin, said the SHARP plant represents a first-of-its-kind demonstration and R&D facility globally for PWS and is a key step towards commercialisation of the technology.
“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.”
