Green energy expert joins D-MAVT
Kent Warren has been appointed Professor of Solar Energy Engineering in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering. The 32-year-old is an expert in exploiting solar energy with the aid of thermochemical processes and co-founder of OMC Thermochemistry, a startup company focused on producing green hydrogen from water and sustainable heat sources. He will take up his position on 1 April 2025.
Welcome to the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT). What motivated you to join D-MAVT at ETH Zurich?
The renowned reputation of the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zurich obviously speaks for itself, but what I personally found most appealing about this academic position was the prospect of building upon the incredible legacy that Aldo Steinfeld, Professor of Renewable Energy Carriers, established and the chance to further solidify ETH Zurich as a leader in the field of solar energy engineering. I consider this a one-of-a-kind opportunity.
Can you share more about your research in the field of solar energy engineering. What are some of the key challenges and opportunities?
When people encounter the term “solar energy engineering,” they most likely think of photovoltaic panels that are generating renewable electricity for homes and commercial buildings. While the widespread implementation of this technology has been a significant step forward towards reducing our reliance upon fossil resources, it has also highlighted the need for cost effective energy storage. After all, it is unrealistic to expect that energy will only be used when the sun is shining.
Moreover, when we take a closer look at the most carbon-intensive industries, we find that many cannot be easily electrified. Among other reasons, they primarily rely upon fossil-derived heat and/or chemicals.
In my view, one of the more promising ways to address these challenges is by concentrating sunlight and either storing the high-quality heat for later use or efficiently converting it into the chemical form. Developing practicable technologies that accomplish this is my primary near-term focus.
Looking ahead, what are your main goals and aspirations for your time at ETH Zurich?
In general, I set very high expectations for myself. A key near-term goal – alongside being granted tenure, of course – is to foster a collegial and team-oriented research culture in my lab. While I acknowledge that this is difficult to quantify, I believe that such an environment will lay the foundation for achieving some of my more ambitious, long-term aspirations.
“In my view, one of the more promising ways to address these challenges is by concentrating sunlight and either storing the high-quality heat for later use or efficiently converting it into the chemical form.”Kent Warren
You are the co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of the startup OMC Thermochemistry which produces green hydrogen. What made you decide to continue your academic career instead of dedicating yourself fully to this venture?
The technology that OMC Thermochemistry has licensed from the University of Colorado Boulder is approaching a maturity, or technology readiness, level that has limited need for further laboratory-scale research. In other words, the main challenge has shifted from research and development to one of engineering design and deployment, which – for the most part – is an outsourced effort.
My desire to remain actively engaged in research and further explore other avenues for sustainable energy conversion and storage is ultimately what pushed me towards the path of continuing in academia. Furthermore, the opportunity to continue mentoring the next generation of engineers and scientists, as I have had the privilege of doing at the University of Colorado Boulder, is something I value deeply.
How do you see your entrepreneurial experience influencing your research and teaching at ETH Zurich?
Among the many ways this entrepreneurial experience has shaped me, perhaps the most unexpected was my introduction to a wide range of not well publicized yet established industrial competencies related to implementing thermochemical processes at the commercial scale. These insights, I believe, could accelerate the development of emerging sustainable energy conversion and storage technologies, particularly those that involve elevated temperatures. I intend to integrate these insights not only into my lab’s research, but also into my future lectures, as I believe that connecting engineering lessons to real-world applications is an effective way to enhance information retention.
Why did you originally choose to go into engineering? Have you always wanted to contribute to sustainable energy solutions, or did that interest develop over time?
From a young age, I developed an affinity for math and science, so when I was older and began to ponder what career path to pursue, I knew I wanted to choose something that heavily involved those interests. My family, primarily comprised of elementary school teachers, couldn’t provide much firsthand guidance on the topic, so I consulted with one of my high school physics and calculus teachers who had formally worked at NASA. He opened my eyes to the engineering profession and what it entailed, and recommended that I consider mechanical engineering.
To make a long story short, I later committed to attending Valparaiso University, where, as fate would have it, I found myself working as an undergraduate research assistant in their Solar Energy Research Facility. At the time, this facility was led by Professor Robert Palumbo, the former head of the High Temperature Solar Technology Laboratory at the Paul Scherrer Institute. It was here that I realized the vast potential of solar energy to revolutionize our energy infrastructure and decided to dedicate my career towards advancing its implementation.
As a final question, would you tell us one thing about yourself that we cannot learn from your CV?
Sports have always played a significant role in my life. Because of this passion and a fair amount of hard work, I had the privilege of playing collegiate football at Valparaiso University. These days, although I no longer play competitively – well, outside of the occasional pick-up basketball game – I still thoroughly enjoy the fitness and training that come with preparing to play sports at a high level.
So, if you find me at one of the ASVZ facilities or at a gym in town, or if you see me at a bar watching the San Francisco 49ers play, please don’t hesitate to introduce yourself!
Short profile
- 2023-2025 Research Associate in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder, USA
- 2021-today Co-Founder and CSO of external page OMC Thermochemistry
- 2021 Adjunct Professor, Valparaiso University, USA
- 2019-2023 Postdoctoral Associate, University of Colorado Boulder, USA
- 2019 Postdoctoral Associate, University of Florida, USA
- 2019 Doctoral Degree in Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida, USA
- 2017 Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida, USA
- 2015 Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Valparaiso University, USA