Wedoany.com Report-Jun 26, Sparc Hydrogen has initiated the Sparc Hydrogen Advanced Research Pilot (SHARP) at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus in Adelaide, Australia, to test photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) for green hydrogen production. This technology uses sunlight to extract hydrogen from water without relying on electricity-powered electrolyzers.

The Sparc Hydrogen Advanced Research Pilot (SHARP).

The SHARP project, a collaboration between Sparc Technologies, Fortescue, and the University of Adelaide, aims to advance Sparc Hydrogen’s patented PWS reactor technology in real-world conditions. Led by Professor Greg Metha, the initiative focuses on improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of green hydrogen production through innovative reactor designs and photocatalyst materials.

Professor Metha, inventor at Sparc Hydrogen and acting director of the University of Adelaide’s Centre for Energy Technology, stated: “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 photocatalytic water splitting technology has major advantages over electrolysis as it offers the potential to produce low cost, scalable green hydrogen and heat without significant electricity use.”

The pilot employs photocatalysts developed by Shinshu University in Japan, with front-end engineering and design provided by Incitias, an engineering services firm. The facility is designed to support research and development, enabling the testing of various configurations to optimize performance and pave the way for commercial applications.

Nick O’Loughlin, managing director of Sparc Technologies, said: “The SHARP plant represents a first-of-its-kind demonstration and R&D facility globally for photocatalytic water splitting 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.”

The SHARP project underscores Adelaide’s role as a hub for innovative energy solutions, contributing to the global push for sustainable hydrogen production. By leveraging sunlight and water, Sparc Hydrogen’s technology aims to reduce costs and environmental impact, supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources.