Sparc Technologies has marked a significant milestone with sustained hydrogen production at its pioneering pilot plant and secured key patents, while also achieving its first commercial sale of graphene additives.
- First sustained hydrogen generation at Roseworthy green hydrogen pilot plant
- Appointment of Alana Barlow as inaugural CEO of Sparc Hydrogen joint venture
- Secured second and third patents for proprietary photocatalytic water splitting technology
- First commercial sale of ecosparc® graphene additive to Asian coatings company
- A$981k R&D tax refund received and cash balance of A$1.94M at quarter-end
Green Hydrogen Pilot Breakthrough
Sparc Technologies has taken a major step forward in the green hydrogen sector with the completion and commissioning of its first-of-its-kind pilot plant at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy Campus. This facility achieved sustained hydrogen generation under concentrated sunlight in December 2025, validating the company’s innovative photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) reactor technology. This technology, developed through the Sparc Hydrogen joint venture with Fortescue Ltd and the University of Adelaide, promises a scalable and modular approach to green hydrogen production that requires minimal electricity input.
The pilot plant serves as a critical testing ground for different reactor designs and photocatalyst materials, including those sourced from Japan’s Shinshu University. Moving from technology readiness level 5 to 6/7, Sparc aims to demonstrate real-world operational viability and position itself as a global leader in concentrated solar-based hydrogen production.
Leadership and Intellectual Property Advances
In a strategic leadership move, Sparc appointed Ms Alana Barlow as the inaugural CEO of Sparc Hydrogen in December 2025. Ms Barlow brings extensive experience in the hydrogen industry, having played a pivotal role in the Sumitomo Gladstone Green Hydrogen Project and served as Queensland Government’s Deputy Director-General for Hydrogen and Future Fuels. Her leadership is expected to accelerate Sparc Hydrogen’s growth and stakeholder engagement throughout 2026.
On the intellectual property front, Sparc secured its second and third patents for its proprietary PWS reactor technology from South African and UAE patent offices, with additional filings pending globally. A new provisional patent application was also lodged in Australia, reflecting ongoing innovation and refinement of reactor designs.
Graphene Additives Gain Commercial Traction
Parallel to its hydrogen efforts, Sparc achieved a significant commercial milestone with the first sale of its flagship graphene-based additive, ecosparc®, to an Asian coatings company. This followed successful proof-of-concept testing that demonstrated ecosparc®’s superior performance in solvent-based protective coatings compared to other graphene products.
Further validating its technology, Sparc collaborated with Dulux Australia on a field trial incorporating ecosparc® into Dulux’s Durebild® STE epoxy coating system at the heritage-listed Cape Jaffa Lighthouse. This trial exposed the additive to harsh coastal conditions, showcasing its potential to enhance corrosion resistance in real-world applications. Additionally, Sparc’s research paper co-authored with Aramco won Best Paper at the 19th Middle East Corrosion Conference, underscoring the additive’s industry relevance and Sparc’s growing reputation.
Financial Position and Outlook
Financially, Sparc reported a cash balance of A$1.94 million at the end of December 2025, bolstered by a A$981,000 R&D tax refund. The company has repaid all outstanding debt, including a cash advance from Rockford RDF Pty Ltd. Operating cash flows were consistent with expectations, supporting ongoing R&D and commercialisation activities across both technology streams.
Looking ahead, Sparc is focused on advancing pilot plant operations, expanding its patent portfolio, and growing commercial partnerships for ecosparc®. The company’s dual focus on green hydrogen and graphene-enhanced materials positions it well within the evolving clean energy and advanced materials markets.
Bottom Line?
Sparc Technologies’ recent progress sets the stage for pivotal developments in green hydrogen scalability and graphene additive commercialisation in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How soon can Sparc scale its green hydrogen pilot to commercial production?
- What are the timelines and prospects for the pending patent approvals globally?
- How will Sparc expand ecosparc® sales beyond initial Asian market entry?