Sparc Hydrogen Taps Alana Barlow to Lead Next-Gen Green Hydrogen Push
Sparc Hydrogen has appointed Alana Barlow as its inaugural CEO, marking a strategic move to accelerate commercialisation of its innovative photocatalytic water splitting technology for green hydrogen.
- Alana Barlow named inaugural CEO of Sparc Hydrogen
- Experienced leader with government and industry hydrogen credentials
- Sparc Hydrogen is a joint venture with Fortescue and University of Adelaide
- Focus on commercialising patented photocatalytic water splitting tech
- Roseworthy pilot plant operational, advancing low-cost green hydrogen
Leadership Appointment Signals Strategic Momentum
Sparc Hydrogen, a joint venture between Sparc Technologies, Fortescue Ltd, and the University of Adelaide, has appointed Ms Alana Barlow as its inaugural CEO, effective 8 December 2025. This leadership appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the company seeks to transition its patented photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) technology from pilot phase to commercial viability.
Ms Barlow brings a wealth of experience from both government and industry sectors, having served as Queensland Government’s Deputy Director-General for Hydrogen and Future Fuels and contributing significantly to the A$117 million Sumitomo Gladstone Green Hydrogen Project. Her legal background and commercial expertise position her well to navigate the complex regulatory and market landscape of green hydrogen.
Innovative Technology with Market Potential
Sparc Hydrogen’s technology leverages photocatalytic water splitting, a process that uses sunlight, water, and a photocatalyst to produce green hydrogen without the need for traditional electrolysers. This method promises lower infrastructure costs and greater flexibility compared to conventional hydrogen production techniques.
The recently commissioned Roseworthy pilot plant serves as a tangible demonstration of this technology’s potential. With the global green hydrogen market forecasted to reach US$1.4 trillion annually by 2050, Sparc Hydrogen aims to carve out a competitive edge by delivering cost-effective and scalable hydrogen solutions.
Next Steps and Strategic Focus
Under Ms Barlow’s leadership, Sparc Hydrogen intends to build on its strong partnerships and pilot achievements to prove commercial viability. The company’s focus will be on scaling the technology and positioning itself as a key player in the evolving hydrogen economy.
Nick O’Loughlin, Managing Director of Sparc Technologies, expressed confidence in Ms Barlow’s appointment, highlighting it as a strong endorsement of the technology and a critical step in the company’s growth trajectory.
Bottom Line?
With Alana Barlow at the helm, Sparc Hydrogen is poised to turn pioneering technology into commercial reality amid a booming green hydrogen market.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the specific commercial milestones Sparc Hydrogen aims to achieve under Ms Barlow’s leadership?
- How will Sparc Hydrogen’s PWS technology compete with established electrolysis methods on cost and scalability?
- What role will Fortescue and the University of Adelaide play in the next phase of development and commercialisation?
