103: Beyond Fossil Fuels: Concentrated Solar Energy’s Potential (ft. Steve Schell)

Today’s guest, Steve Shell, an accomplished scientist and engineer who is the current Chief Scientist at Heliogen, a California-based clean energy company. With him, we discuss:    🔹️What is Heliogen. What material differences there are between this technology and “classical” solar power? 🔹️Challenges in operating and maintaining heliostat arrays on such a large scale. 🔹How does the use of concentrated solar technology compare to other forms of renewable energy, like wind or hydroelectric power  🔹What are some of the most promising emerging applications of concentrated solar technology, and how might they transform the energy landscape in the coming years 🔹And much more!    Learn more about our MSE Career Development Online Course, which includes more industry-specific information and advice. https://www.mseacademy.com/courses/students-tier-2   Join our Discord community! You can meet other passionate materials scientists and engineers from around the world, discuss the latest breakthroughs in MSE, share materials-related memes, and get career advice from experts in the field.  https://discord.gg/49dCV3W4eN   Check out our MSE-themed merchandise if you want to support us or simply show off your love of materials science! https://www.itsamaterialworldpodcast.com/shop   For shorter segments and full video podcasts, subscribe to our channel on YouTube. For bloopers, audiograms, and interesting materials science articles, follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Feel free to message us on our social media platforms if you have any feedback or recommendations for future episodes, or email us directly at [email protected]. Finally, reach out to David Yeh and Punith Upadhya on LinkedIn if you'd like to chat about the latest breakthroughs in MSE! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpUXt6ui8iC5npSizlfIJ2A  https://www.instagram.com/itsamaterialworldpodcast/  http://linkedin.com/company/it-s-a-material-world-podcast/  https://twitter.com/ItsAMatWorldPod    Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed by either guests or hosts in this show are their own, and do not represent the opinions of the companies or organizations for which they are affiliated.   #materialsscience #heliogen #energy #technology