In Gilgil, Kenya, startup Octavia Carbon initiated a high-stakes test in June of last year, employing excess geothermal energy to power direct air capture (DAC) prototypes. The company aims to demonstrate that DAC technology can efficiently, affordably, and scalably remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Octavia Carbon's long-term objective is to establish DAC as a viable method for mitigating global temperature increases. Diana Kruzman reported that the technology, while promising, faces challenges including its unproven scalability and high operational costs. The project also raises concerns among Kenya's Maasai people, who have historical reasons to distrust energy companies.

DAC is a process that uses specialized machines to extract carbon dioxide directly from the air. This captured CO2 can then be stored underground or used in various industrial applications. While DAC holds theoretical potential for large-scale carbon removal, its practical implementation remains limited due to technological and economic hurdles.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has acknowledged DAC as a potential tool for achieving net-zero emissions, but emphasizes that it should complement, not replace, efforts to reduce emissions at the source. Critics argue that relying heavily on DAC could divert resources from more immediate and cost-effective climate solutions, such as renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency improvements.

Octavia Carbon's project in Kenya represents a significant attempt to advance DAC technology and explore its feasibility in a developing-world context. The company's success hinges on overcoming technical challenges, securing community support, and demonstrating the economic viability of its approach. The project is part of MIT Technology Review's Big Story series, which focuses on ambitious reporting.