A solar-tech startup backed by Bill Gates is pushing solar technology boundaries with its concentrated mirrors producing high temperatures. The ability to reach 1,000 degrees Celsius with solar, allows solar power to be used in the steel, cement, and petrochemical manufacturing processes. Until now, this type of solar-tech was only able to reach temperatures of 575 degrees Celsius. Many industrial processes require temperatures of 950 degrees.
Heliogen uses precise computer vision and image processing to accurately direct light at mirrors in real time. This technology, if implemented broadly, has the ability to dramatically reduce greenhouse emissions. Industrial emissions account for around 21% of all global emissions. The ability to use green energy, instead of currently used dirty fossil fuels, for large industrial manufacturing is a win for the environment.