Energy Transitions Podcast Explores the Rise of Next-Generation Solar Thermal Technology
By Pamela Largue | 8 July 2025
Solar thermal technology, traditionally linked with small-scale residential uses, is undergoing a transformative evolution, opening new possibilities for commercial and industrial (C&I) applications. This emerging wave of innovation is highlighted in a recent episode of the Energy Transitions podcast by Enlit World, where host Pamela Largue dives into the breakthrough advancements with Christophe Williams, CEO of Naked Energy—a British scale-up redefining the solar thermal landscape.
Reinventing Solar Thermal for Commercial & Industrial Use
Solar thermal solutions have long been perceived primarily as modest, domestic systems for heating water. However, Naked Energy is challenging that notion through its pioneering application of evacuated tube technology capable of producing both electricity and heat. According to Williams, their system can convert up to 80% of the sun’s energy into usable power and hot water, an efficiency level that marks a significant step towards decarbonising heat in larger commercial and industrial sectors.
Williams describes heat as the “warm elephant in the room” in climate action efforts, emphasizing that decarbonising heat remains one of the toughest challenges on the path to sustainable energy. By targeting this often-overlooked area, Naked Energy’s innovation holds promise for substantially reducing carbon footprints across industries traditionally heavily reliant on fossil fuels for thermal energy.
Innovative Design and Impactful Use Cases
During the episode, Williams explains the creative design techniques Naked Energy employs to achieve superior solar thermal efficiencies. The company’s approach redefines an established technology by integrating next-gen materials and engineering concepts that boost performance beyond conventional solar thermal applications.
One notable example of Naked Energy’s technology in action is at the British Library, where their solar thermal system helps both decarbonise the facility’s operations and maintain a controlled environment essential for preserving the library’s invaluable knowledge collections.
Beyond institutional use, the podcast highlights various commercial and industrial sectors where solar thermal technology can be a game-changer—from manufacturing plants seeking greener heat sources to breweries utilizing solar heat to power their processes.
A Journey from Creative Industries to Clean Tech
Adding a personal dimension to the conversation, Christophe Williams shares insights into his own career transition from the creative industries into clean technology. His journey underscores the interdisciplinary potential and innovative spirit driving the clean energy transition.
Listen and Learn More
This episode of the Energy Transitions podcast not only sheds light on how solar thermal technology is entering a new era but also provides listeners with a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of decarbonising heat.
Subscribers and interested listeners can access the episode and the full podcast series via the Enlit World platform, which offers a wealth of resources on energy transition topics. Other recent episodes explore themes such as increasing female leadership in the UK power sector, electric road innovations for e-mobility, and the prospects of a nuclear revival in Sweden.
For more insights on decarbonising heat, additional Enlit World content includes case studies like Heineken’s use of solar thermal to cut emissions at their Valencia brewery and university data centres that provide heat to district networks.
About Enlit World
Enlit World is a comprehensive energy forum and media platform offering news, interviews, reports, events, and member directories dedicated to advancing the global energy transition. It fosters collaboration year-round to tackle pressing challenges in the energy sector and accelerate sustainable solutions.
To listen to the episode "The rise of next-gen solar thermal technology" and subscribe to the Energy Transitions podcast, visit Enlit World’s podcast page.
