DArc

For green hydrogen to become economically viable the cost of production at commercial scale needs to reduce from the current $US6-9/kg to $US2/kg. The DArc unit is a novel way of producing hydrogen which we believe has the potential to become a disruptive, low cost hydrogen production system at below the $US2/kg threshold at which green hydrogen becomes economically viable.

The DArc Unit technology utilizes plasma-induced free electrons, among other methods, in itself an electrolysis system to enhance hydrogen production efficiency. Unlike traditional electrolysis systems like PEM, SolidOxide, and Alkaline systems, the DArc Unit generates a plasma bubble around the cathode electrode, resulting in additional hydrogen formation through biochemical pathways.

DISRUPTIVE TECHNOLOGY

This technology has the potential to produce hydrogen at less than 10kWh/kg, making it a disruptive and cost-effective method for hydrogen production. Current development efforts involve validating the performance of the DArc unit for an upcoming field trial at an industrial site, with plans to commercialize the unit as a distributed low-cost hydrogen production system, eliminating the need for transporting hydrogen to where it is needed.

The DArc unit is being developed as a skid-mounted hydrogen production unit that can produce green oxyhydrogen at the point of use and at a commercially competitive price. We are yet to determine as to whether to sell the unit with the associated balance of the plant or to provide oxyhydrogen or hydrogen (with the addition of a purification membrane to the balance of the plant)as a fuel under a fuel sales agreement.

We believe the DArc unit will have commercial applications including but not limited to the following:

  • Co-fueling existing power plants which are OEM rated to take a certain percentage of hydrogen or oxyhydrogen, we see particular opportunities in power plants serving remote Australian communities and mine sites.
  • Hydrogen refueling stations, as hydrogen fuelled vehicles become more common place a DArc unit could be located at an operation’s base for large private truck or bus fleets.
  • Industrial sites where hydrogen is required either as a power source or feedstock.
  • Decentralised hydrogen hubs, potentially closer to point of use and at smaller scale as scale in not required with the DArc HPU in order to drive down the cost of hydrogen to a commercially viable price.