Sparc Technologies has appointed Alana Barlow as the inaugural chief executive officer of Sparc Hydrogen, with the company confirming her commencement on 8 December 2025.
In an ASX announcement, Sparc said Barlow brings extensive senior experience across the hydrogen sector, having previously served as the Queensland Government’s Deputy Director-General for Hydrogen and Future Fuels.
She also spent several years at Sumitomo Corporation in commercial and legal roles across hydrogen, resources and energy, including work that contributed to the final investment decision on the AUD 117 million Sumitomo Gladstone Green Hydrogen Project in partnership with Rio Tinto.
Sparc Hydrogen is a joint venture between Sparc Technologies, MIH2 Pty Ltd – a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortescue Ltd – and the University of Adelaide.
Since 2022, the venture has been developing photocatalytic water splitting (PWS) reactor technology, which the company describes as a potential pathway to low-cost green hydrogen. Sparc noted that its newly commissioned Roseworthy pilot plant “reinforces Sparc Hydrogen’s leadership position” in the field, pointing to projections that the global green hydrogen market could reach US$1.4 trillion annually by 2050.
Sparc managing director Nick O’Loughlin said the appointment comes at a crucial time for the venture’s technology and commercial progress.
“We are thrilled to have Alana joining Sparc Hydrogen as its inaugural CEO at a critical point in the maturation of both the technology and the business,” O’Loughlin said.
“Alana is highly skilled and motivated to drive Sparc Hydrogen into the next phase and her appointment is another strong endorsement of the technology by the joint venture partners. I am confident Alana will be a great asset for Sparc Hydrogen.”
Barlow said she looked forward to advancing the company’s efforts to commercialise its technology. “I’m delighted to join Sparc Hydrogen at this pivotal stage,” she said.
“The technology being developed by Sparc Hydrogen offers a differentiated pathway to low-cost green hydrogen without the electricity infrastructure constraints facing traditional electrolysis. With the Roseworthy pilot now operational and strong partnerships in place, my focus will be building on those foundations by demonstrating commercial viability and positioning Sparc Hydrogen to deliver next-generation hydrogen solutions.”
The company said the appointment marks a significant step as Sparc Hydrogen progresses toward its next phase of development.
The content of this article is based on information supplied by Sparc Technologies Limited. For more information, please refer to the official company announcement and communications from Sparc. Please consult a licensed and/or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
