Article

The Great Carbon Valley project in Kenya aims to utilize local geothermal resources to extract CO2 from the atmosphere. Initiated by Octavia Carbon, the project started tests in June 2023 with prototypes designed to capture 60 tons of CO2 annually.

The long-term vision is to demonstrate that direct air capture (DAC) can be a viable tool to mitigate climate change. The project is supported by various international companies and aims to transform the Great Rift Valley into a hub for carbon removal technology while promoting economic growth and respecting indigenous rights.

However, DAC remains controversial and untested at scale, facing skepticism regarding its feasibility and cost-effectiveness. The project also contends with historical tensions with the Maasai community, who have been displaced by previous geothermal developments, raising concerns about the equitable distribution of benefits from this initiative.