Credit By: Reuters
In a groundbreaking initiative named Project Hummingbird, Kenya is gearing up to deploy 100 direct air capture (DAC) machines near the town of Naivasha in the East African Rift Valley. Developed by startups Octavia Carbon and Cella Mineral Storage, these machines aim to remove ten metric tons of CO2 each year, making it the world’s second-largest DAC pilot.
Abundant Geothermal Energy:
Kenya, the seventh-largest producer of geothermal energy globally, harnesses this clean energy source for approximately 90% of its grid electricity. The country’s geothermal abundance ensures that DAC machines can operate with minimal emissions.
Ideal Geological Conditions:
The geological conditions along the Rift Valley provide an optimal environment for storing mineralized carbon deep below the Earth’s surface. This unique geological setting makes Kenya an ideal location for testing and scaling carbon capture and mineralization technologies.
Waste Heat Utilization:
Waste heat generated by geothermal plants will be utilized to regenerate filters in Octavia Carbon’s DAC machines, covering 85% of their energy requirements. This innovative approach contributes to significantly lower operational expenditure.
Operational Timeline:
Project Hummingbird’s 100 DAC machines are set to commence operations in 2024, marking a significant step forward in the global effort to explore and implement effective carbon capture technologies.
Corporate Involvement:
Several companies, including Klarna, have expressed their intention to purchase carbon credits generated by Project Hummingbird. This signals growing corporate interest in supporting and investing in sustainable initiatives that address climate change.
Environmental Impact:
By capturing and permanently storing CO2 through mineralization, Project Hummingbird aims to contribute to global efforts in combating climate change. The deployment of DAC technology in Kenya signifies a strategic move toward environmentally conscious solutions in the fight against carbon emissions.
As the world seeks innovative approaches to climate change mitigation, Project Hummingbird stands out as a promising venture that leverages Kenya’s unique attributes for the advancement of carbon capture and storage technologies.
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