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.