The US Department of Energy is continuing its support for solar thermal technology by announcing a $33 million investment in nine pilot or demonstration projects. This technology, which has been under development since the 1970s, utilizes arrays of mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver, heating up materials like molten salt or ceramic particles for energy storage. Rather than focusing on electricity production, the current emphasis is on providing heat for industrial processes and long-duration energy storage required for grid stability. The investment reflects the government's commitment to advancing next-generation solar technologies to combat climate change. The funding will support various projects, including using solar thermal energy to brew beer at Firestone Walker Brewery in California, storing thermal energy in retired fracking sites for low-carbon fuel production, and exploring the use of solar thermal for clean hydrogen production at West Virginia University. The DOE aims to kick-start commercialization of these emerging energy technologies to refine and scale them up, ultimately reducing costs. Despite the challenges of high costs and low output, concentrating solar thermal technology remains promising for addressing key areas where better solutions are needed to reduce climate-warming emissions. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm highlighted the importance of investing in solar technologies to ensure American innovation leads the way in combating the climate crisis. The potential of solar thermal to offer efficient energy storage, industrial heat, and carbon-free electricity makes it a valuable asset in transitioning towards a cleaner energy future.