The twenty-first-century energy transition is driven by an urgent global imperative to decarbonize economies and achieve net-zero emissions, with over 140 countries committed to mid-century targets. Despite this, global energy demand, particularly electricity, continues to surge, largely fueled by emerging and developing economies. A significant challenge lies in decarbonizing industrial sectors, where over 74% of energy use is for process heat, nearly half of which requires high temperatures (>400 °C) currently met by fossil fuels. Addressing this necessitates a massive scale-up of clean energy technologies and systemic innovation. While electrification and hydrogen are gaining traction, high-temperature solar thermal systems represent an underexplored potential for delivering cost-effective, dispatchable, and sustainable industrial heat. This transition demands not only technological adoption but also socio-economic transformation, investment shifts, and robust policy frameworks. A diverse portfolio of solutions, including solar thermal, advanced electrification, green fuels, and storage, is crucial for realizing a just and resilient energy future.