Kenya-based startup Octavia Carbon has secured a significant $5 million seed funding round to accelerate its innovative direct air capture (DAC) technology.

This funding will empower Octavia Carbon to scale its efforts in combating climate change by removing excess carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere.

A Kenyan Solution to a Global Problem

Co-founded by CEO Martin Freimüller and mechanical engineer Duncan Kariuki, Octavia Carbon leverages Kenya’s ideal geological conditions and renewable geothermal energy to develop cutting-edge DAC solutions.

The company’s unique approach involves using mechanical trees to filter atmospheric CO₂ and store it underground, where it mineralises into rock.

Scaling Impact with Project Hummingbird

The newly acquired funding, co-led by Lateral Frontiers VC and E4EAfrica, will expedite the deployment of Project Hummingbird, the first DAC+Storage project in the Southern Hemisphere.

Set to launch by the end of 2024, Project Hummingbird will position Octavia Carbon as the world’s second company to complete the full cycle of capturing and storing CO₂ underground.

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This achievement will also enable the company to offer DAC + Storage carbon credits, contributing to the global effort to mitigate climate change.

A Growing Team and Expanding Reach

Octavia Carbon’s team has grown to 60 members, including 40 engineers, reflecting the company’s rapid expansion and ambitious goals. The startup has already secured significant contracts, including $1.4 million in carbon credits and $1.1 million in prepayments over the past two years.

Advancing Technology for a Sustainable Future

Octavia Carbon aims to advance its technology readiness from Level 6 to Level 8 on a 1-to-9 scale. This progression will bring the company closer to full commercial deployment, enabling it to make a more substantial impact on climate change mitigation.

Why Kenya?

1. Favourable Geology: Kenya’s Rift Valley boasts the ideal geological conditions for safely storing captured CO2 for millennia. The region’s geological formations provide secure underground repositories that can safely lock away carbon emissions.
2. Abundant Renewable Energy: Kenya’s power grid is almost entirely powered by renewable sources, primarily geothermal and hydropower. This clean energy infrastructure is essential for powering DAC facilities, reducing their overall carbon footprint.
3. A Talented and Motivated Population: Kenya’s young and innovative population is acutely aware of the devastating impacts of climate change. This firsthand experience provides a strong incentive for Kenyans to contribute to climate solutions, including DAC.

DAC vs. Other CO2 Removal Methods

DACC offers several advantages over traditional carbon removal methods:

• Scalability: DAC is a highly scalable solution. Unlike planting trees, which can be limited by land availability, DACC facilities can be expanded to meet growing demand for carbon removal.
• Permanence: DAC can safely store captured CO2 for millennia, ensuring that it remains locked away from the atmosphere. This permanence is crucial for achieving long-term climate goals.
• Efficiency: A single car-sized DAC machine can absorb as much CO2 from the air as 10 hectares of forest. This efficiency makes DAC a highly effective tool for carbon removal.

Global DAC Deployment

To date, there are 27 DAC plants operating worldwide, with a combined capture capacity of 0.01 Mt CO2 per year. These plants are spread across Europe, North America, Japan, and the Middle East, demonstrating the growing global interest in DAC technology.

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The Potential of DAC

The success of these high-capacity DAC plants highlights the immense potential of this technology. As DAC technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even larger and more efficient plants being developed. This will play a crucial role in helping us achieve our climate goals and mitigate the risks of climate change.

The Future of DAC

While DAC technology is still in its early stages, it holds immense promise as a tool for carbon removal. As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, DAC will likely play an increasingly important role in our efforts to create a sustainable future.

For those interested in joining this forward-thinking company, Octavia Carbon careers offer various opportunities across different fields, from engineering to environmental science.

People looking for Octavia Carbon jobs can explore the diverse roles available, contributing to their mission of reducing carbon emissions.

The company’s presence in Kenya has grown rapidly, with Octavia Carbon Kenya playing a key role in local sustainability efforts. You can easily find Octavia Carbon’s location and learn more about its projects.