The Green Blueprint
Why concentrated solar couldn’t compete
Nov 13, 2024
John Woolard, former CEO of BrightSource Energy and now at Meridian Clean Energy, shares insights from his journey in concentrated solar power. He recounts the challenges faced while developing the Ivanpah project, including the impact of the 2009 financial crisis on funding. Woolard highlights the fierce competition with photovoltaic technologies, discussing key lessons learned about flexibility and the importance of adapting to industry changes. His experiences illuminate the complexities of navigating environmental regulations and financing in the solar energy landscape.
33:38
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- BrightSource Energy initially faced significant challenges in the competitive landscape due to rapidly dropping prices of silicon photovoltaic technology, necessitating strategic pivots to survive.
- Securing a $1.6 billion loan guarantee during the 2008 financial crisis proved crucial for BrightSource, allowing them to navigate financial uncertainties and sustain their concentrated solar project.
Deep dives
The Launch of a Solar Pilot Project
In 2009, John Woolard and his team successfully launched a pilot project in the Negev desert that utilized a unique design based on concentrated solar power (CSP). They stood atop a 500-foot tower surrounded by mirrors that concentrated sunlight equivalent to 500 suns, ultimately generating high-quality steam. This steam was crucial because it would enable effective electricity generation, with plans to scale the technology up to 440 megawatts. However, despite this initial success, the team faced impending challenges, including financial obstacles and competitive pressures that would later threaten their ambitions.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
