Fortescue, Sparc Technologies, and the University of Adelaide will begin construction and testing of a green hydrogen plant this year, leveraging an innovative photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) technology.
The PWS technology directly uses sunlight and photocatalysts to produce green hydrogen, which reportedly eliminates the need for renewable electricity or electrolysers, therefore reducing costs.
Stage 2 development is progressing with front-end engineering design (FEED) completion and site planning approvals are expected in this month (January), whilst equipment procurement is also underway.
H2 View understands that the facility will be finished by mid-2025 and will test PWS using concentrated solar mirrors, advancing reactor TRL from 5 to 6 through semi-continuous ‘on-sun’ operation.
Japan’s Shinshu University will supply the photocatalyst materials to the Roseworthy site in Adelaide, and the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) management contract is now under review.
“This Australian innovation has the potential to make green hydrogen an even more competitive energy resource by decoupling its cost from the cost of green power,” explained Michael Dolan, Fortescue’s Director of R&D.
“The phase 2 pilot plant will enable this promising technology to be evaluated at a meaningful scale ahead of potential commercial deployment in the future.”
Professor Anton Middelberg, University of Adelaide Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), added, “The core IP developed by Professor Greg Metha relates to PWS reactors operating under concentrated solar energy.
“This investment into constructing a pilot plant enables us to stress-test catalysts developed globally and places South Australia in a position of competitiveness in terms of testing innovative hydrogen technologies.”
Newsletters
H2 View knows just how much hydrogen news there is to keep on top of. Keep up to date on the latest developments across the industry with our daily newsletter that will give you the top five stories of the day, straight to your inbox.
Don’t forget we also have our weekly newsletter which includes a round-up of the past seven days’ hydrogen highlights, including not only news but also interviews, features and analysis.
Sign up for our newsletters here.
