In alignment with the Biden-Harris Administration's focus on clean energy and climate action, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has revealed a $33 million investment in nine projects spread across seven states. The primary objective of these projects is to propel concentrating solar-thermal (CST) systems technologies to enhance solar fuel production and achieve long-duration energy storage capabilities. Concentrating solar-thermal (CST) systems utilize mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver to facilitate the production of carbon-free clean fuels, heat, and storage for various applications. This investment signifies a step towards reducing carbon emissions and attaining the nation's ambitious clean energy and climate targets. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm highlighted the importance of investing in next-generation solar technologies to combat the climate crisis and maintain American scientific innovation leadership. The DOE's Solar Futures Study emphasizes the critical need for extensive energy storage to meet clean energy objectives, leading to the launch of initiatives like the Long Duration Storage Shot™. The projects chosen will contribute to the development of solar fuels, clean hydrogen, and thermal energy storage technologies. These innovations are vital in reducing reliance on fossil fuels for various applications. Noteworthy projects include the creation of a modular dish reactor for clean hydrogen generation, a CST-compatible reactor for producing high-value products like jet fuel, and the integration of solar-thermal systems with hydrogen production using a high-temperature solid oxide electrolyzer. Additionally, the selected projects will also focus on advancing thermal energy storage technologies to provide continuous or on-demand heat for different applications. These technologies have the potential to support electricity generation and industrial processes requiring heat, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.