Estefany Ariza
During a recent visit to Texas, Bill Gates highlighted the state’s vital role in shaping the future of clean energy. Gates spent time in Corpus Christi and Houston meeting with innovators in the clean energy sector, a trip aimed at showcasing the pioneering work being done in one of the country’s most energy-forward regions.
Texas, known as the Lone Star State, is rapidly becoming a hub for the next generation of clean energy technologies. Gates expressed excitement about the advancements being made by local companies, which are not only creating economic growth but are also playing a crucial role in America’s energy security and efforts to combat climate change.
According to Gates, the pace at which clean energy innovation is advancing is faster than many anticipated. As part of his efforts, Gates’ Breakthrough Energy initiative has invested over $130 million into Texas-based projects and entrepreneurs, betting on the state’s future as a leader in clean energy.
One of the key reasons behind this optimism is the workforce. Texas is home to nearly half a million people working in oil and gas industries, and many of their skills are directly transferable to clean energy sectors. Gates believes these workers will be pivotal in forming the backbone of the clean energy economy, ensuring Texas remains at the forefront of global energy production for generations to come.
During his visit, Gates toured several companies working on groundbreaking technologies. One of these companies, Infinium, is pioneering next-generation clean fuels for trucks, ships, and even planes. Their technology transforms waste CO2 and renewable energy into electrofuels, such as eDiesel, which can be used in existing engines without requiring fleet modifications—an important advantage for companies looking to transition to cleaner fuel sources. Infinium has already struck a deal with Amazon, and their fuels could soon be powering local deliveries in Corpus Christi.
Additionally, Infinium is working on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a technology that could reduce air travel emissions by as much as 90%. The company is also expanding its operations, including a major project in West Texas that will significantly increase its eFuel production capacity.
Another innovative company Gates visited was Mars Materials, a Breakthrough Energy Fellows project, working on a novel approach to reuse CO2. The company is developing technology to turn captured carbon into carbon fiber—a lightweight, ultra-strong material used in various industries, from clothing to automotive manufacturing. Mars Materials relocated from California to Texas to tap into the state’s skilled workforce from the oil and gas sector.
Both companies are part of a larger trend of using captured carbon to create valuable products. Texas is also leading the charge in direct air capture (DAC) technologies, which remove carbon directly from the air. According to recent studies, Texas has the greatest potential for DAC deployment in the U.S., with the possibility of creating 400,000 jobs by 2050.
Gates met with leaders from Occidental’s 1PointFive project, which is working on a DAC Hub in Kingsville, Texas. The initiative will create around 2,500 local jobs over the next five years. Gates, who was an early investor in DAC technology, expressed his excitement about seeing the industry evolve from a concept into a real-world opportunity. The project has also received funding through the Department of Energy as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a testament to the growing government-private sector collaboration in the clean energy space.
Gates is also set to participate in CERAWeek, one of the largest energy conferences in the U.S., where he plans to discuss the tremendous potential he sees in the clean energy sector. He will also tour a regional clean hydrogen hub in the area and visit Air Liquide’s hydrogen facility in La Porte, Texas. This plant is set to be retrofitted in the coming years to eliminate its emissions, underscoring the importance of hydrogen in the global energy transition.
The companies Gates visited in Texas are leading the charge in the energy transition, creating good jobs, and contributing to the American economy. Gates’ trip highlighted how Texas, with its innovative spirit and skilled workforce, is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the clean energy future.
Source: Gatesnotes
