Sparc’s Dual-Tech Bet Faces Critical Tests with Pilot Plant and Field Trials in 2025

Innovating Green Hydrogen Production

Sparc Technologies (ASX: SPN) is making significant strides in the green hydrogen sector with its pioneering photocatalysis technology. Unlike conventional electrolysis, Sparc’s process harnesses only sunlight and water to produce green hydrogen, eliminating the need for electricity and expensive electrolysers. This innovation promises a scalable and low-cost alternative that could disrupt the hydrogen market, which is projected to grow substantially as industries seek to decarbonise.

The company is currently constructing a first-of-its-kind pilot plant at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy Campus in South Australia. Construction began in March 2025, with commissioning expected by mid-year. This pilot will be a critical milestone in de-risking the technology and demonstrating its commercial viability.

Graphene Additive Ecosparc Gains Traction

Alongside its hydrogen ambitions, Sparc is advancing ecosparc®, a graphene-based additive designed to enhance anti-corrosion coatings for steel infrastructure. The global anti-corrosion coatings market is valued at US$43 billion, with Sparc targeting a sizeable addressable segment through its additive that extends asset longevity and reduces maintenance costs.

Field trials with major partners including BHP Mitsubishi Alliance, Santos, and the South Australian Government have yielded positive initial results, notably at the Streaky Bay Jetty. These trials are crucial for validating ecosparc’s performance in real-world conditions and paving the way for commercial adoption expected in fiscal 2026.

Capital Raise to Fuel Growth

To support these dual technology pathways, Sparc recently completed a capital raise totaling A$2.7 million. This comprised a A$2.2 million placement to professional investors and a non-underwritten Share Purchase Plan (SPP) aiming to raise up to A$500,000 from existing shareholders. The funds will be allocated to advancing ecosparc field trials and commercialisation, supporting Sparc Hydrogen’s development, continuing R&D and patent activities, and general working capital.

Importantly, Sparc Hydrogen is fully funded through mid-2026 following prior investments from Sparc and Fortescue, ensuring the pilot plant and related activities have financial backing to reach key milestones.

Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning

Sparc’s collaborations with world-class partners such as Fortescue Metals Group and the University of Adelaide strengthen its technology development and commercialisation prospects. The Sparc Hydrogen joint venture combines expertise in R&D, project development, and funding, positioning the company well within the rapidly evolving green hydrogen landscape.

Meanwhile, ecosparc’s engagement with global coatings companies and asset owners through active NDAs and testing programs underscores Sparc’s commitment to penetrating the anti-corrosion market. The company’s patented technology and demonstrated lifecycle benefits offer a compelling value proposition for industrial infrastructure owners seeking to reduce costs and carbon emissions.

Outlook

With the green hydrogen market expected to expand sixfold by 2050 and the anti-corrosion coatings sector growing steadily, Sparc Technologies is well positioned to capitalise on these opportunities. The upcoming pilot plant commissioning and further ecosparc trial results will be pivotal in validating Sparc’s technologies and unlocking commercial potential.