Australian (ASX) Stock Market Forum

SPN - Sparc Technologies

On November 11th, 2020, Acacia Coal Limited (AJC) changed its name and ASX code to Sparc Technologies Limited (SPN).
 
On November 11th, 2020, Acacia Coal Limited (AJC) changed its name and ASX code to Sparc Technologies Limited (SPN).
Wonder why the got out of coal :D

Found this:

Graphene Technologies with the University of Adelaide. Could be interesting to keep an eye on. Probably will be a raising on listing properly.
 
Wonder why the got out of coal :D

Graphene Technologies with the University of Adelaide..
from 3D Carbon to 2D Carbon.

The company has been quiet, setting itself up
Raised $4mill at IPO
13 Nov - Completed acquisition of Graphene Technology Solutions Limited

17 Dec : Bio Medical Project
  • Sparc commences bio-medical project to develop non-invasive sensing devices for detection of diseases in both humans and animals via graphene based breath sensors
  • Establishment of a new bio-medical division to be directed by Mr Ben Yerbury ..
  • Potential global implications for the identification, diagnosis and management of disease
  • Cornerstone shareholder and strategic partner Adelaide University to collaborate with Sparc to advance the bio-medical project
14 Jan: Anti Corrosive coatings
  • Test work confirms a range of Sparc graphene additive formulae added to coatings significantly improves anti-corrosive performance
  • The results, when compared to a control coating (without graphene), showed: Up to 73% performance improvement in scribe creep (corrosion); and Up to 19% performance improvement in adhesion
  • Results further optimise Sparc’s proprietary Graphene additive formulae
I think it was First Graphene FGR that was in with U Adelaide on graphene work, a while ago (but this relationship had gone a bit quiet). Also Talga TLG has a 12 month trial on a ship with anti-corrosive paint. All at sea? Like the nature of the application, it seems research can be spread a bit thinly.

And SPN still unloved since the IPO
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So now it is time to hit the hustings. SmallCaps dutifully comes out with a piece
 
and another application, perhaps

Sparc Technologies (SPN) has evaluated the antibacterial properties of it's graphene based additives in an epoxy coating system using the methodology described in the international standard ISO 22196. The test work was undertaken by Flinders University, Adelaide.

The results indicate bactericidal activity in relation to Escherichia Coli (E-Coli is a common and harmful bacteria), with the activity of an epoxy coating being significantly improved by the inclusion of a range of graphene based additives.

In the case of one of the graphene additives evaluated, complete destruction of the E Coli bacteria was observed when compared to the same coating type containing no graphene. Further work is being undertaken to confirm and optimise the results.

This graphene enhanced coating has potential applications in areas where control of bacterial growth on surfaces is important, such as; hospitals, public areas, food preparation facilities, drinking water systems, antifouling for shipping and coating for wastewater systems
...
 
and another application (some day?)


Patent application granted in the United States for the use of graphene in the remediation of environmental contaminants such as mercury and arsenic .

Patent strengthens Sparc's position in its environment and sustainability portfolio.

Sparc Technologies Limited is pleased to announce it has received confirmation that the United States (USA) patent application number 15/578149 has now been issued as a patent.
Pollution of water and air by certain ionic contaminants, including heavy metals, has long been and continues to be a serious environmental concern for modern day society. This new granted patent now grants Sparc exclusive access to graphene’s unique ability to act in a porous matrix to remove heavy metal ions from liquid or gas, which has demonstrated high performance and efficiency for such use.
 
Huge breakout for Sparc Technologies yesterday after the company announced that it had executed a non-binding Term Sheet with its strategic partner and cornerstone shareholder the University of Adelaide to form a Joint Venture hydrogen technology company.

The project being advanced has a commercial focus, and involves the development of a process known as Thermo-Photocatalysis, which employs the suns radiation and thermal properties to convert water into hydrogen and oxygen. The process reduces green hydrogen CAPEX and OPEX costs, which will support the production of ultra-green commercially viable energy in the form of hydrogen.

This could be a game changer for green hydrogen as it lowers costs and simplifies the process, making green hydrogen production not just commercially viable but very competitive, especially for small scale operations as the massive solar and wind farm footprint is eliminated.

The SPN share price has taken off the last couple of days. Worth noting that the market cap is still under $75 million.

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SEPTEMBER 2021 QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
Sparc Hydrogen Joint Venture Sparc Technologies executes non-binding Term Sheet with its strategic partner and cornerstone shareholder the University of Adelaide to form a Joint Venture (JV) hydrogen technology company
Next generation hydrogen technology to employ photocatalysis and solar radiation to deliver Ultra-Green Hydrogen (UGH)
Sparc Hydrogen to have exclusive licence to 100% of University of Adelaide's Project IP including Patent Application
Sparc Technologies to focus on developing graphene coatings for use in conjunction with photocatalysts
Corporate
Conducted $2.8m share placement (before costs) at $0.70 per share CEO
Mike Bartels elevated to Managing Director
Appointed BDO Audit Pty Ltd (BDO) as the Company’s new Auditors
$2.19m cash at bank as at 30 September 2021

A
 
Worth updating this thread.

The technology that was developed by tehe University of Adelaide to split hydrogen just using a photocatalyst and solar radiation attracted the attention of FMG. In Feburay 2022 FFI and Sparc announced a joint development program to fast track the resewarch and potential commercial production of this radical approach o hydrogen generation.

It seems the initial research has been very promising and they are now fast tracking development of a pilot plant to test and improve the various elements of the process. With Twiggy cracking the whip this project will not die wondering.

Sparc Hydrogen Completes Preliminary Techno-Economic Analysis and Accelerates Pilot Plant

HIGHLIGHTS
• Preliminary Techno-Economic Analysis completed for Sparc Hydrogen’s photocatalytic water splitting technology

• Study confirms the commercial potential for the Sparc Green Hydrogen process

• Based on the positive outcomes of the study, the Sparc Hydrogen joint venture partners have agreed to accelerate the project schedule and immediately commence scoping work on a pilot plant

Sparc Technologies Limited (ASX: SPN) (Sparc, Sparc Technologies or the Company) is pleased to report on the completion of a preliminary Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) by Sparc Hydrogen Pty Ltd (Sparc Hydrogen).

Sparc Hydrogen, a joint venture between Sparc Technologies, Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) and the University of Adelaide, is seeking to commercialise patent-pending photocatalytic water splitting technology with the aim of producing low-cost green hydrogen on a commercial scale (the Sparc Green Hydrogen process). The preliminary TEA has been delivered through a collaborative effort from the joint venture partners, led by the University of Adelaide, and supported by independent engineering consultant, ITP Thermal (ITP). The completion of this collaborative effort is a significant milestone for Sparc Hydrogen and on the back of the positive outcomes, the joint venture partners have agreed to accelerate scoping activities for a pilot plant ahead of the original project schedule.

Commenting on the milestone, Sparc Technologies Executive Chairman, Stephen Hunt, said:
“Today marks a significant milestone for Sparc Technologies and the Sparc Hydrogen JV, with the preliminary TEA confirming the low-cost potential of this green hydrogen technology. The decision to accelerate a pilot plant is evidence of the JV partner’s enthusiasm and is an important step on the path to commercialisation.”


Fortescue Future Industries CEO, Mark Hutchinson, added:
“Fortescue is building a world-wide tech network to encourage scientists and engineers from across the globe to advance research and development in technologies. Our goal is to develop green hydrogen and renewable energy innovations and technology, with a specific focus on decarbonising hard-to-abate industries that can be commercialised fast. The result of the preliminary TEA is welcome news.”

 
Some big news on the SPARC front. (Finally ??)
I noticed there have been some other projects looking to reduce teh cost of hydrogen production.

Sparc, Fortescue and University of Adelaide Commit to Stage 2 Pilot Plant
HIGHLIGHTS
•Sparc Technologies, Fortescue and University of Adelaide formally commit to proceed to Stage 2 of the Sparc Hydrogen joint venture

•Novel reactor technology employs a photocatalyst material and sunlight to produce green hydrogen directly from water without electrolysers

•Stage 2 is focused on construction and testing a first-of-its-kind pilot plant supporting ongoing reactor development and scale-up

•Front-end engineering and design (FEED) for the pilot plant is complete and construction is expected to commence early in 2025


Sparc Technologies Limited (ASX: SPN) (Sparc, Sparc Technologies or the Company) is pleased to announce that Sparc Technologies, Fortescue Limited (ASX:FMG) (Fortescue) and the University of Adelaide (UoA) will proceed to Stage 2 of the Sparc Hydrogen joint venture. The decision to proceed to Stage 2 reflects several key milestones achieved over recent months and is a strong endorsement of the potential of Sparc Hydrogen’s novel technology to unlock low-cost green hydrogen via photocatalytic water splitting (PWS).

Stage 2 activities are focused on pilot plant construction and reactor testing along with ongoing laboratory testing of PWS reactors under a range of conditions. Sparc Hydrogen believes that the pilot plant will represent a globally leading facility for R&D and commercialisation of PWS reinforcing Sparc Hydrogen’s first mover position in this emerging direct solar to hydrogen technology.
Sparc Technologies Managing Director, Mr Nick O’Loughlin, commented:

"Sparc Technologies is very pleased to be pursuing Stage 2 of the Sparc Hydrogen joint venture alongside its supportive world class partners. A significant amount of work has gone into this positive investment decision which is a reflection on the R&D team, strong IP position and high potential of the technology to unlock low-cost green hydrogen without relying on electrolysers, stretched electricity grids and related infrastructure.”

Fortescue Director of Research & Development, Mr. Michael Dolan, commented:
“Fortescue is proud to continue its support of Sparc Hydrogen and its innovative photocatalytic water splitting technology. This Australian innovation has the potential to make green hydrogen an even more competitive energy resource by decoupling its cost from the cost of green power. The Phase 2 pilot plant will enable this promising technology to be evaluated at a meaningful scale ahead of potential commercial deployment in the future.”


 
Quarterly Activities report offers an insight into the progress on the Hydrogen PWS reactor project.

December 2024 Quarterly Activities Report
HIGHLIGHTS
Sparc Hydrogen


• Sparc announced a formal commitment from the JV partners to proceed to Stage 2 of the Sparc Hydrogen joint venture, subsequent to quarter end
• Sparc Hydrogen secured the first patent for its PWS reactor technology in Morocco with 17 jurisdictions pending review
• Front-end engineering and design for Sparc Hydrogen’s first-of-its-kind pilot plant completed, with construction due to commence early in 2025

Graphene Based Additives
• Field trial of ecosparc® enhanced coating commenced with Santos at Port Bonython
• Trial results will assess whether ecosparc® enhanced coatings can be added to Santos’ coatings specification for potential commercial use
• Additional field trials are progressing with the South Australian Department of Infrastructure & Transport and 29Metals Limited
• Significant corrosion improvements have been demonstrated by incorporating graphene in water-based epoxy coatings building upon Sparc’s leading dataset in solvent-based coatings
• Continued R&D and customer discussions held in relation to collaborative projects in anti-fouling and plastics

 
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