University of Adelaide researchers are taking their innovative Green Hydrogen technology to the next level.
The industries of steel, cement, and chemicals generate more than 30 percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, making them significant contributors to climate change. In Australia, much of our economic security relies on these sectors and associated exports, making us a key player in the race for industrial decarbonisation. Fortunately, University of Adelaide researchers are leading the way in novel production of hydrogen–– which releases no carbon dioxide when used as an energy source, paving the way for a greener future.
Sparc Hydrogen, a joint venture between the University of Adelaide, Fortescue Limited and Sparc Technologies, has created a pioneering approach to hydrogen production using a solar reactor that eliminates any reliance on electricity and significantly reduces infrastructure requirements. The research group, led by University of Adelaide Professor of Chemistry Greg Metha, first produced hydrogen in 2021 using only sunlight, water and a photocatalyst in their solar reactor using an innovative process called photocatalytic water splitting (PWS).
The team has since proven its ground-breaking technology at prototype phase at CSIRO and is now spearheading a first-of-its-kind pilot plant at the University’s Roseworthy Campus. This commitment to launching and completing this pilot plant marks stage 2 of Sparc Hydrogen’s joint venture, a stage dedicated to construction and testing to advance reactor scale-up and development.