Octavia, a startup founded in 2022 by Martin Freimüller and Duncan Kariuki, has recently secured $5 million in seed funding to scale its direct air capture (DAC) technology. This funding comes with support from Lateral Frontiers, E4E Africa, and advance carbon credit sales.
The company’s innovative DAC machines are designed to extract CO2 directly from the atmosphere. Once captured, the CO2 is liquefied and injected deep into basalt formations located in the East African Rift Valley. Over time, this process allows the CO2 to mineralise into rock, providing a permanent storage solution.
Partnering with Cella Mineral Storage, Octavia aims to offer a sustainable method for combating greenhouse gas emissions. The technology is particularly well-suited to Kenya, which boasts abundant geothermal energy and extensive basalt formations.
Freimüller, co-founder and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the funding, stating, “We are thrilled to have secured this funding, which will allow us to accelerate our efforts in combating climate change.” He emphasized that their goal is to achieve a capture capacity of 1,500 tonnes of CO2 per year by 2025.
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The use of waste heat from geothermal sources plays a crucial role in Octavia’s operations. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also minimizes environmental impact and reduces costs.
With additional backing from Catalyst Fund, Launch Africa, Fondation Botnar, and Renew Capital, Octavia plans to expand its current fleet, which currently captures 50 tonnes of CO2 annually. This momentum positions the company to become the second in the world to complete the full DAC cycle—capturing and permanently storing CO2 underground.
Following the success of Climeworks, Octavia’s initiatives are among the first large-scale efforts to convert atmospheric CO2 into rock. This innovative approach reflects a significant step forward in carbon removal technologies.
However, the long-term stability of storing CO2 in basalt formations is still under scientific review, highlighting the importance of ongoing research in this area. As Octavia continues its mission, the company remains committed to advancing our understanding of effective carbon storage solutions.
