Bill Gates backed a previously stealth startup called Heliogen which can make hydrogen in a scalable way. They use artificial intelligence and a field of mirrors to reflect so much sunlight that it generates extreme heat above 1,000 degrees Celsius. They can concentrate solar energy to the extreme temperatures needed for industrial production of cement, steel, glass and other industrial processes. Carbon-free sunlight can replace fossil fuels at lower costs.

HelioMax features a breakthrough closed-loop control system that consistently delivers high optical performance and saves months of time in calibration. The HelioMax boasts higher concentration and more flux per dollar than any other heliostat system and is available for both electricity generation and process heat applications.

HelioHeat is a carbon-free, ultra-high temperature (up to 1500ºC) heat can be used by customers to replace their use of harmful fossil fuels. Historically dirty processes like calcining, reforming, ore roasting, and sintering, which are used in industries such as cement, refining, and mining can now be made green with HelioHeat.

The breakthrough in Heliogen’s technology starts with our patented closed-loop control system that makes our field of mirrors act as a multi-acre magnifying glass to concentrate sunlight. The HelioMax system is an industry first and a critical step in harnessing the power of the sun. Our ability to concentrate and capture sunlight allows us to create carbon-free, ultra-high temperature heat (HelioHeat) commercially for the first time.

From there, HelioHeat can be used by customers as an alternative to burning fossil fuels, which would significantly reduce energy costs, dramatically lower carbon emissions, and help make great strides in reaching and exceeding corporate sustainability goals.

The Heliogen technology is also capable of thermo-chemically splitting water to create 100% green hydrogen, which we are working to develop as our first HelioFuel.

Our technology at scale is, for the first time, efficient enough to make our ultra-high temperature heat and renewable fuels competitive with fossil fuels. This is a breakthrough for the industry and a major step toward solving climate change.

Brian Wang

Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.

Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.

A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.