Big Think

The science behind clean hydrocarbons | The Freethink Interview

8 snips
Jul 14, 2025
Casey Handmer, founder and CEO of Terraform Industries, is on a mission to revolutionize energy through innovative solar technology. He discusses how his company creates synthetic natural gas from sunlight and air, potentially phasing out fossil fuels. Handmer passionately believes that solar energy could not only power 95% of humanity by 2042 but also eradicate extreme poverty globally. He contrasts solar with nuclear, highlighting its cost-effectiveness and safety, and underscores its role in ushering in a new industrial revolution.
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INSIGHT

Solar to Dominate Energy by 2042

  • Solar energy costs have dropped drastically, making it cheaper than fossil fuels much earlier than expected.
  • By 2042, solar photovoltaic could power 95% of humanity's energy needs worldwide.
INSIGHT

Solar Beats Nuclear on Cost & Simplicity

  • Solar technology is simpler and cheaper than nuclear, with no specialized labor or moving parts.
  • The market clearly favors solar due to its safety, simplicity, and cost advantages.
INSIGHT

Vast Solar Deployment & Feasibility

  • Humanity deployed one five-acre solar array every minute last year, with deployment rates increasing rapidly.
  • Only about 5% of Earth's land, mostly deserts, could supply current global energy needs with solar.
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