Energy Transitions podcast: The rise of next-gen solar thermal technology

Solar thermal technology has long been associated with smaller, residential-type applications. However, novel solutions are coming to the fore, causing a rethink in terms of commercial and industrial applications.

One British scale-up in particular is aiming to reinvent solar thermal power for the C&I sector, while tackling the challenge of decarbonising heat.

In this episode of the Energy Transitions podcast, Pamela Largue speaks with Christophe Williams, CEO of the scale-up in question, Naked Energy, to find out how their innovative solution of evacuated tubes produces both electricity and heat, converting up to 80% of the sun’s energy into usable power and hot water.

It's an important step forward in helping to decarbonise heat, the “warm elephant in the room” of climate action, says Williams.

In this episode, you will learn more about:

• Why the company chose to be called Naked Energy;
• What it means to redefine a mature technology like solar power;
• How Naked Energy is employing novel design techniques to achieve greater solar thermal efficiencies;
• How the British Library is using solar thermal technology to decarbonise and keep precious knowledge safe;
• The use cases for solar thermal technology in decarbonising the commercial and industrial sector;
• Christophe’s journey from the creative industries into clean tech.

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Listen to previous episodes:
Why the UK power sector needs more female leaders
Advancing e-mobility through electric road innovation
Is Sweden ready for a nuclear revival?

More about decarbonising heat:
Heat for hops: How Heineken is using solar thermal to decarbonise Valencia brewery
How a university data centre delivers heat to the campus district heating network
Strong fossil fuel decline in EU district heating and cooling finds report