INCITIAS Reaches Milestones in SPARC Hydrogen Pilot Plant EPC Phase

Amanda Johnson

Progress in Green Hydrogen Production Project

Building on our previous update, INCITIAS is pleased to share significant advancements as we continue our role of EPCM, managing the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) phase of the SPARC Hydrogen Pilot Plant. Our commitment to sustainable energy solutions is evident through meticulous planning, efficient execution, and innovative technology.

EPC Phase Highlights

INCITIAS has successfully completed several key activities:

  • Detailed Design Finalization: All aspects of the plant’s detailed design have been finalized.
  • Equipment Selection and Procurement: Equipment selection and procurement are complete, and fabrication activities are ongoing.
  • Civil Works Management: INCITIAS is overseeing the site preparation, including earthworks and concrete installations, and managing the onsite civil contractor.

Key Project Milestones Achieved

We have reached crucial milestones, including:

  • Early Civil Works Completion: Civil groundwork has been successfully finalized.
  • Mirror Array Installation: The mirror arrays, built by Spanish manufacturer Solatom, have been installed. These arrays focus sunlight onto the photocatalytic reactors, converting water into hydrogen and oxygen—this process produces sustainable and zero-emission green hydrogen.

Successful Pre-commissioning of Mirror Arrays

The mirror arrays, critical components of the pilot plant, have undergone successful pre-commissioning testing. After a careful and secure transportation from Spain, the equipment was expertly lifted into position by crane. INCITIAS coordinated closely with the vendor and client to remotely test and confirm the functionality of control systems from Europe, a process completed quicker than anticipated. Our efficient team, led onsite by Marcus Cook, ensured a seamless assembly and installation.

Site preparation for Solatom mirror arrays installation at SPARC Hydrogen Pilot Plant managed by INCITIAS, with containers awaiting removal.
Concrete foundations and holding brackets prepared for Solatom mirror arrays installation at SPARC Hydrogen Pilot Plant.
Solatom mirror arrays recently installed and ready for operation at the SPARC Hydrogen Pilot Plant, managed by INCITIAS.
Close-up view of installed Solatom mirror arrays at the SPARC Hydrogen Pilot Plant, showcasing reflective panels ready for operation.

Upcoming Milestones

As we look forward, the following milestones are anticipated soon:

  • Mechanical Completion
  • Commissioning Phase
  • Project Handover

 INCITIAS Project Team Expertise

The success of this project reflects the high calibre of the INCITIAS project team:

  • Project Manager: Alice Martelletti
  • Electrical, Instrumentation & Automation Specialist: Marcus Cook
  • Process Engineer: Ashvini Katkar (Singapore office)
  • Civil Engineering: Jae-Heon Lee
  • Project Engineer: Nakhesh Singh
  • Mechatronic Engineer: Nicolas Nivia
  • Mechanical Design Engineer: Yuri Tikhanov
  • Technical Specialist: Holger Kelle

The Vision Ahead

The SPARC Hydrogen Pilot Plant features four mirror arrays and twelve reactors. This pilot will validate the innovative photocatalytic water splitting process and act as a test bed for future photocatalyst research and testing. Successful outcomes from this pilot will inform the development of a future commercials scale project, envisioning a significant scale up in a strategic location.

Connect and Engage

We encourage industry peers, potential collaborators, and sustainability advocates to stay engaged and connected with our project’s exciting developments.

You can read more about the SPARC Hydrogen Project here:

Hydrogen Pilot Power Plant

SPARC Hydrogen Pilot Power Plant

FAQ's

How does photocatalytic water splitting work?

It uses sunlight and photocatalysts to split water into hydrogen and oxygen without external energy sources. 

Why is green hydrogen important?

Green hydrogen provides a renewable, emission-free fuel source which helps reduce carbon footprints significantly. 

What is the difference between EPC and EPCM?

 EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) involves a single contractor managing the entire project lifecycle, delivering a turnkey solution. In contrast, EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management) contractors manage and coordinate these activities on behalf of the project owner, who maintains greater control and risk.

INCITIAS provides specialized EPCM services, managing engineering design, procurement, and construction phases to ensure high quality and efficiency in project delivery.

What are the next steps after EPC completion?

Post-EPC, the plant undergoes commissioning and operational handover, transitioning into functional production. 

Who can collaborate with INCITIAS?

INCITIAS collaborates with industry stakeholders, academic institutions, technology providers, and sustainability-focused organizations. We specialize in innovative projects involving research and development, system integration, technology upgrades, and efficiency improvements. If you're looking to upgrade existing systems, integrate new technologies, or bridge gaps between current and emerging solutions, contact INCITIAS to discuss your project's specific needs. 

Get in touch with
the project team

 

Alice Martelletti– Project Manager

Holger Kelle – Technical Lead / INCITIAS Director

Client: Sparc Hydrogen – info@sparchydrogen.com

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Engineering Excellence, Delivered

Our engineering solutions are customisable to meet your project's exact specifications and goals.
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Engineering Services

INCITIAS Services and Original Products are supported by in-house team of engineers and designers:

  • Naval architects
  • Process engineers
  • Mechanical and Marine engineers
  • Safety and risk engineers
  • Structural and civil engineers
  • Electrical and instrumentation engineers
  • Subsea engineers
  • Construction supervisors
 

Naval Architecture services:

  • Hydrodynamic analysis
  • Hydrostatic analysis
  • Offshore and nearshore mooring systems design 
  • Design in accordance with IMO and class requirements

Process Engineering services:

  • Cryogenic system engineering for LNG, ethane, LPG, and hydrogen
  • Chemical engineering for olefins, biodiesel, and chemical bulk handling
  • Natural gas networks
  • Fuel systems
  • Jetty topsides for conventional oil and LNG
  • FPSO topsides design
  • Process system commissioning
 

Mechanical and Marine Engineering services:

  • Original equipment and machinery design
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic system design
  • Cryogenic pressure vessel design
  • Piping systems design
  • Package engineering
  • Marine systems integrations
  • Cargo and ballast systems, HVAC, and cooling propulsion solutions
 

Safety and Risk Engineering services:

  • Explosion studies
  • Gas dispersion studies
  • Cooling water dispersion studies
  • QRA, HAZOP and HAZID coordination
 

Structural Engineering services:

  • Marine and offshore structure design
  • Structure life extension
  • Fatigue studies
  • Asset integrity
 

Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering services:

  • Load lists
  • Shore-to-ship power connections
  • Power system design
  • LV and MV engineering
  • Subsea electrical systems engineering
  • Process and machinery instrumentation design
 

Subsea Engineering services:

  • ROV operations engineering
  • Subsea intervention engineering
  • Subsea pipeline system design
  • Flexible flowline and umbilical design

FPSO External Riser turret mooring

Mooring Handling LIFTING BEAM GENERAL ASSEMBLY Original Equipment

Hose Reel 3D hybrid render

FPSO Bow Extension 3D modelling

FPSO Decommissioning

Our clients find our experience invaluable during FPSO decommissioning planning and execution, using the INCITIAS teams’ ability to assess the most suitable strategy, based on the project and local authority’s requirements. Our team has extensive experience in the design and installation of FPSO mooring systems, risers and umbilicals.

 

We can support the client decommissioning plan with the following services:

 

  • Decommissioning option selection study and recommendation
  • Cost estimate and assessment of cost escalation
  • Contracting strategy options selection and recommendation
  • Integrated owner engineering team
  • Original equipment to unlock value in the decommissioning plan
  • Project management of decommissioning team and sub-contractor

 

Examples of typical deliverables for FPSO Decommissioning are:

 

  • Execution plan and cost estimation
  • Riser, umbilical and mooring disconnection analysis
  • Vessel spread selection and market enquiry
  • Decommissioning story board, tools and resource lists 
  • Design and build of original equipment 
  • ROV campaign support
  • Decommissioning schedule and procedure
  • Request for quotation, bid assessment and recommendation 
  • HAZID and HAZOP

Single Point Mooring system

Turret Mooring

Independent Verification Design

Working together with INCITIAS, clients can obtain objective evidence of asset compliance with project requirements.

With our independent verification design process, INCITIAS applies an efficient risk-based assessment method to prioritise critical elements of the asset.

 

An INCITIAS comprehensive review can include:

 

  • Desktop review of design documents
  • Review of HAZID, EIA and QRA findings
  • Risk ranking of asset elements
  • Preparation of review plan
  • Client approval of review plan
  • Execute review plan, including on-site performance verification
  • Issue of certification certificate
 

We work together with our clients to ensure the appropriate level of review is carried out.

Operations & Maintenance Support

INCITIAS combines our Engineering expertise with real world Operations and Maintenance experience.  We support our clients with O&M development and management activities including:

 

  • Enterprise management system development
  • Organisation structure development and evaluation
  • Systems and procedures development and review, including detailed procedures, permits and work systems
  • Emergency response systems
  • Defining specific port operations requirements
  • Operation and maintenance training and competency assessment
  • Commissioning activities

Integrated Owner’s Engineering Services

We support Owners with engineering, technical, and project management expertise across LNG, marine, and vessel conversion projects. Our clients can minimise risk and maximise opportunities earlier in project execution, with INCITIAS Owner’s engineering services. 

 

INCITIAS can provide integrated owner’s engineering services for onshore and offshore projects from a client office, site location or remotely from our offices in Melbourne. 

 

Typical services are:

 

  • Design and construction management
  • Customised risk management solutions
  • Specialist LNG process and marine engineering
  • Budget implementation, scheduling, and cost control
  • Non-permanent on-site dedicated offices for project

 

 

Indicative deliverables are:

 

  • Technical document reviews
  • Project bankability documents 
  • Basis of design
  • Functional performance specification
  • Resource plan and project schedule
  • Request for quotation and technical bid evaluation
  • Participation in HAZID, HAZOP, QRA, design reviews
  • FAT (Factory Acceptance Tests) certification
  • Work packs for installation contractor
 

We can be as involved as you require. From specialist resources who consultant on specific aspects of your project, to the provision of a fully integrated Owners team. 

At INCITIAS we develop tailor-made delivery solutions to match your project’s execution strategy and risk profile. Offering a full range of alternative delivery methods enables us to deliver the most effective project outcomes for you.

CLP Jetty Installation during the daytime

Advisory Services

INCITIAS offers integrated technical and commercial advisory services to assist clients advance their projects and provide support for their decision-making process. Clients can reduce risk and maximise opportunities by accessing our team of advisory specialists’ wealth of experience.

 

Typical advisory services are:

 

  • Technology assessment and selection. 
  • Commercial risk assessment.
  • Pre-feasibility, feasibility, and pre-FEED and FEED studies.
  • Contract review against the project technical performance.
  • Independent review of project execution plan.
 

INCITIAS techno-commercial advisory services aligns commercial drivers with feasible and proven technical solutions. Our team’s experience includes facility selection, financial assessment, contracting strategies, construction management and project operations. Assisting clients meet their business objectives using our capabilities to provide insights and solutions. 

 

Indicative deliverables are:

 

  • Site selection study
  • Environmental pre-assessment 
  • Technology options, recommendations and definition
  • Review of contract commitment against the facility performance
  • CAPEX and OPEX estimates
  • Financial models, NPV calculation, tolling model, and sensitivity assessment 
  • Project bankability document pack
  • Probabilistic models combining queueing and Monte Carlo assessment for logistic studies
  • HAZID, HAZOP, QRA and project risk assessment 
  • Operations and training requirements definition