Sparc’s Pilot Plant Completion Raises Stakes Amid Patent and Commercialisation Race
Sparc Technologies has completed construction of a pioneering green hydrogen pilot plant and secured new patents, while its graphene additive trials show promising corrosion resistance results.
- A$2.75M government grant awarded for green hydrogen development
- First-of-its-kind photocatalytic water splitting pilot plant completed in South Australia
- Second patent granted in South Africa with new provisional patent filed in Australia
- Graphene additive ecosparc® demonstrates up to 60% corrosion reduction in trials
- Cash position steady at A$2.4M with R&D tax refund of A$818K received
Green Hydrogen Milestone
Sparc Technologies Limited (ASX, SPN) has marked a significant step forward in its green hydrogen ambitions with the completion of its first-of-its-kind photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) pilot plant at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus. This facility, completed shortly after the September quarter, is designed to test and scale Sparc Hydrogen’s patented PWS reactor technology under real-world concentrated solar conditions, a rare capability globally.
The pilot plant’s construction was supported by a competitive A$2.75 million grant from the Australian Government’s Economic Accelerator Innovate program, underscoring the innovation and commercial potential of Sparc’s technology. This funding complements earlier grants and reflects growing confidence in the company’s approach to producing green hydrogen with lower energy inputs and infrastructure requirements compared to traditional electrolysis.
Expanding Patent Portfolio and R&D Progress
Post-quarter, Sparc Hydrogen secured a second patent for its PWS reactor technology in South Africa, adding to its existing Moroccan patent and pending filings across sixteen other countries. Additionally, a new provisional patent application was lodged in Australia covering advanced reactor design elements, signaling ongoing innovation and efforts to strengthen global intellectual property protections.
Research and development activities continue apace, with the team focusing on testing reactor performance under semi-continuous operation and sourcing high-performance photocatalyst materials. Participation in international forums, including the CSIRO Hydrogen R&D Roundtable in Japan, highlights Sparc’s commitment to collaboration and thought leadership in the hydrogen sector.
Graphene Additives Show Commercial Promise
On the materials front, Sparc’s graphene-based additive ecosparc® has demonstrated sustained positive results in field trials exceeding 12 months at key sites such as the Streaky Bay Jetty and Golden Grove Mine. Laboratory salt spray corrosion tests on water-based coatings enhanced with ecosparc® showed up to 60% reduction in corrosion, a notable achievement given the environmental advantages and regulatory pressures favoring water-based over solvent-based coatings.
Commercial discussions with major coatings companies and large asset owners are underway, with expectations for ecosparc® commercialisation in the 2026 financial year. The company’s strategic engagement is further validated by a co-authored paper with the Chairman of Aramco’s Paints & Coatings Standards Committee, to be presented at a major corrosion conference in Saudi Arabia.
Financial Position and Corporate Updates
Financially, Sparc reported a cash balance of A$2.4 million as of 30 September 2025, supported by an R&D tax refund of A$818,000 for the 2025 financial year. Cash expenditure aligned with expectations, and the company completed a transition of its share registry to Xcend Pty Ltd during the quarter. Payments to related parties were limited to director fees and salaries totaling A$158,000.
Looking ahead, Sparc’s focus will be on advancing pilot plant operations, validating technology readiness levels, and progressing commercial partnerships for its graphene additives. The company’s dual-track innovation strategy positions it well within the expanding markets for green hydrogen and advanced protective coatings.
Bottom Line?
Sparc’s recent milestones set the stage for critical pilot plant results and commercial breakthroughs in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will pilot plant testing impact timelines for commercial-scale green hydrogen production?
- What are the prospects and timelines for ecosparc® commercial adoption by major coatings manufacturers?
- How might Sparc’s expanding patent portfolio influence competitive positioning in global hydrogen and graphene markets?
