Sparc Technologies Limited has announced Sparc Hydrogen has commenced prototype testing of its photocatalytic water splitting reactor (PWS reactor) at the CSIRO Energy Centre.
The PWS reactor unit has been installed on the solar tower and is now linked to water, power, and communications. The heliostat field calibration and preliminary tests have been completed, and the main testing program began on 13 September 2023. Sparc intends to notify the market after the testing program is completed.
The primary goals of the prototype testing remain the same as stated in Sparc’s previous announcement on this activity, being to:
- Advance the TRL of Sparc Hydrogen’s PWS reactor from 4 to 51, bringing it one step closer to commercialisation.
- Provide valuable data and insights for the design of pilot plant reactors.
- Benchmark laboratory testing under simulated solar conditions against real-world outcomes.
- Establish Sparc Hydrogen as a world-leading proponent of PWS technology, with a functional reactor to test new and improved photocatalysts under development by premier research groups worldwide.
Sparc Hydrogen has secured $28,688 in funding from the CSIRO Kick-Start Program to help cover the costs of prototype testing. The Kick-Start Program assists innovative Australian start-ups and small enterprises in gaining access to CSIRO’s research skills and capabilities to stimulate growth and development.
