161 - The Sun's Untapped Power: Solar Thermal Technology with Naked Energy's Christophe Williams

In today’s enlightening and insightful episode of the "Insiders Guide to Energy," hosts Chris Sass and Jeff McAulay delve into the innovative world of solar thermal technology with special guest Christophe Williams, CEO of Naked Energy. Discover the transformative power of combining photovoltaic (PV) and thermal energy to meet the global heat demand, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of the energy transition. Christophe shares insights into how Naked Energy's groundbreaking technology, Virtu, is setting new benchmarks in efficiency and sustainability by capturing up to 800 Watts per square meter of solar energy. 

Christophe is the CEO and Co-Founder at Naked Energy, a British design and engineering business, leading the global innovation in solar thermal and solar PVT. Prior to that, Christophe has been connected to the renewable energy industry for generations. His first inspiration was his grandfather Peter Williams who worked with renowned engineer Stephen Salter in the 1970s to develop 'the oscillating duck', a form of oscillating wave technology generating clean electricity. Christophe previously worked as a senior creative executive in the advertising industry for over fifteen years, gaining many awards from prestigious organisations such as ‘Creative Circle’ and ‘Clio’. He has worked with major blue-chip clients and global brands such as Microsoft, Barclays, BMW, Sony and also directly with a number of UK government bodies, including DEFRA and the Central Office of Information on high profile advertising campaigns on sustainability. 

In today’s episode, we learn about the challenges and opportunities in decarbonizing heat, which accounts for over half of the world's energy consumption and is predominantly fueled by fossil fuels. Christophe highlights Naked Energy's role in pioneering commercial and industrial applications of solar thermal technology, from hotels and hospitals to manufacturing, and their contribution towards achieving net-zero emissions. 

Join us, as we explore the technical, financial, and environmental aspects of solar thermal energy, the significance of energy density, and the synergy between PV and thermal technologies. Christophe also shares fascinating insights into Naked Energy's journey, their impact across nine countries, and the future of solar thermal technology in driving the global energy transition.