In a further development of our strategy to use our technology to produce low-emissions hydrogen, 1414 Degrees is pleased to announce it has acquired exclusive rights to a new method for producing net zero hydrogen from natural gas.

This invention by the University of Adelaide (UoA) is the subject of an international patent application.

The rights are in addition to rights acquired in January, also from the UoA, for a dual-column fluid reactor which is an integral component of our methane pyrolysis hydrogen technology.

The complementary UoA inventions comprise a complete technology for efficient low-emission hydrogen production.

1414 Degrees will progress development of these technologies and integrate them with our silicon-based thermal energy storage solution, with the aim to commercialise “decarbonised gas” as a turn-key solution for industrial heat users.

The new patent is for a process optimising energy use and increasing the efficiency of conversion of natural gas to hydrogen and carbon. The process involves innovative gas-recycling and heat recovery, along with optimised temperature, pressure and separation ratios which can achieve higher reaction efficiencies compared to the existing processes.

By incorporating our SiBrick® silicon storage into the technology, we plan to increase the use of renewable energy and potentially eliminate the need to use hydrogen or methane for process heat, further increasing the hydrogen yield from the process. Using renewable power and hybridising with biogas would result in zero net carbon dioxide emissions.

Dr. Kevin Moriarty, 1414 Degrees Executive Chairman said: “incorporating our silicon storage technologies will allow charging to occur when electricity prices are low, while sustaining round-the-clock heat supply for production in a factory. We are excited to use these patents in our quest to decarbonise high temperature industries.”

1414 Degrees Ltd is pleased to advise that its joint venture SiliconAurora Pty Ltd, owned equally with Vast Renewables Limited (Vast), has entered into a term sheet with Vast Solar and OZ Minerals Services Pty Ltd , a subsidiary of BHP Group Limited (BHP). The Term Sheet sets out an in-principle process in respect of SiliconAurora and Vast Solar potentially obtaining access to the ElectraNet owned 275kV Hill-to-Hill Transmission Line (H2H) to connect the initial stages of the Aurora Energy Precinct.

The Term Sheet provides for SiliconAurora, Vast Solar and OZM to enter into negotiations for a possible binding agreement by 30 September 2024 (which date can be extended by mutual agreement) that would be intended to govern the arrangements between those parties in relation to access arrangements to the H2H.

Approval for access to the H2H is required from both ElectraNet and the sole customer on the line, OZ Minerals, which was acquired by the BHP group in May 2023. The H2H currently services the two BHP group mines in the north of South Australia, Prominent Hill and Carrapateena. Pursuant to the Term Sheet, SiliconAurora and Vast Solar will commission an independent technical review to assess the risks associated with the proposed connections. The Term Sheet is subject to certain termination scenarios, including if OZM, in its absolute discretion, is not satisfied with the risks associated with the proposed connections to the H2H, following the independent technical review.

As previously announced, SiliconAurora has submitted a transmission connection application to ElectraNet for a 140MW/280MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) to connect to the NEM through the H2H line. The application is in progress.

About Aurora Energy Precinct

The Precinct is owned by SiliconAurora, a joint venture between 1414 Degrees Ltd and Vast Renewables Limited which plans to develop a 140MW/280MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) on the site.  Acquired by 14D in November 2019 through the purchase of Solar Reserve Australia II Pty Ltd, now known as SiliconAurora Pty Ltd, the Precinct had Development Approval for 150MW Concentrated Solar Power and 70 MW PV electricity generation. Subsequently, 14D obtained approvals for a 140MW/280MWh BESS and a grid scale SiBox pilot, 14D’s latent heat battery technology. In 2022 Vast acquired a 50% interest in SiliconAurora Pty Ltd from 14D and obtained approvals for its modular concentrated solar technology and a pilot solar methanol plant.

1414 Degrees Ltd is proud to announce a major step forward for our energy storage technology, with the successful completion of the SiBox demonstration phase testing and a greater shift towards commercialisation.

This milestone signifies a pivotal shift for our company, with the commercialisation stage to identify the best path to take our technology to market.

The SiBox Demonstration Module has successfully completed the 12-month testing phase, proving capabilities and performance that establish SiBox as a competitive solution for the long-duration energy storage market, particularly for industrial heat applications and grid stability.

This fulfils key objectives of our SiBox Development Agreement with Woodside Energy Technologies and the Federal Government Modern Manufacturing Initiative, particularly taking the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from 4 to 7 in preparation for commercial operations.

This could be a game-changer for industries requiring dependable high-temperature heat, confirming SiBox’s potential to transform industrial energy use.

Commercial scaling at the forefront

Building on this important milestone, we have also appointed Dr. Jason Chaffey to lead the commercial scaling of the SiBox technology. Dr Chaffey – who has extensive experience in commercialising technologies – is well-positioned to lead this venture, supported by 1414 Degrees’ skilled analytical and engineering staff.

Move to Tonsley triggers more innovation and development

We will also be moving to the Tonsley Innovation District where we will continue to develop low-cost SiBrick at our new facility. The return to Tonsley (our prototype was commissioned there in 2016) is more than a homecoming; it’s where we’ll be pushing the boundaries of energy storage technology even further.

In addition to developing low-cost SiBrick at Tonsley, we’ll also be building a revolutionary dual column pyrolysis reactor, integrated with our SiBox technology, aiming to lower the cost of hydrogen production.

Each of these activities bring us closer to commercialising our technology.

Read the full update to the ASX here.