It's Not Every Day You Get To See Bill Gates Filling Pothole

Since the inception of Microsoft by Bill Gates, the tech mogul has been investing in technologies that benefit the environment and fight pollution. Recently, Gates made headlines for expressing concerns about the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) during a conversation with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. However, amidst these discussions, Gates shared an intriguing video on Instagram, where he showed a unique way to tackle road maintenance issues.

In the video, Gates is seen filling potholes not only using conventional methods, but also with a groundbreaking low-cost, carbon isolating material. The material, developed by Modern Hydrogen, reduces carbon emissions from the atmosphere, by turning carbon into a solid form. Due to which, it becomes a valuable source for road construction while also reducing harmful gases.

Sharing the video, the entrepreneur wrote, “I filled a pothole and reduced carbon emissions during my incredible visit to Modern Hydrogen. Modern Hydrogen has developed an innovative system to remove carbon from natural gas. The process results in hydrogen, a zero emission fuel, and solid carbon, which can be sequestered in asphalt used to build roads and repair potholes.” Since the video was shared, it has gone viral and garnered over 1 million views.

In the clip, Bill Gates not only helped fill a pothole in a parking lot, but he also had the opportunity to see a demo of how the company creates such material that helps nature. As per Geek Wire, this gadget transforms natural gas from fossil fuels or biogas from sources like manure into pure hydrogen. This hydrogen fuel burns cleanly, leaving only water vapour behind. As per the portal, the material can be used to make energy, in major industries like making steel and even in fuel cells. It’s like turning waste into something really useful, all without making a big mess.

Talking about Gates’ visit and his enthusiasm, Tony Pan, Modern Hydrogen’s CEO, said, “Bill was great. He was super engaged, hands-on.”

Tony came up with the idea to combat climate change when he took part in the Invention Science Fund, a hub for revolutionary technologies. Here, he discovered his strong connection with energy and climate. After brainstorming numerous innovations, the CEO gave himself a month and came up with an 80-page idea. Later, during a four hour meeting with Bill Gates, he presented his paper and hoped that his idea captured his interest. Interestingly, the Microsoft founder loved the concept and became his first investor.