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This report examines the potential for Direct Air Capture (DAC) and other carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies in Africa, with a particular focus on Kenya and the East African Rift region. It highlights the region's competitive advantages in geothermal energy and basaltic rock formations for permanent carbon storage, while outlining the technological, financial, and regulatory innovations needed to scale these systems.

This fact sheet from the World Resources Institute outlines the current state of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, emphasizing the United States' leadership in research, development, and deployment (RD&D). It details various technological and nature-based approaches to removing CO2 from the atmosphere and the specific U.S. policy mechanisms, such as tax credits and funding programs, used to scale these innovations.

This briefing from the World Resources Institute argues that carbon mineralization requires increased and customized federal policy support to reach its potential for large-scale carbon removal. While some funding exists through broad carbon removal initiatives, the document highlights a gap in dedicated support compared to technologies like direct air capture and outlines necessary advancements in research, deployment incentives, and safety regulations to scale the technology responsibly.

Carbon mineralization is a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) process that accelerates the reaction between CO2 and alkaline minerals (like those in basalt) to permanently store carbon as solid carbonates. While it offers potential co-benefits such as strengthened concrete and the neutralization of toxic mine tailings, scaling the technology poses risks including induced seismicity, high water usage in arid regions, and environmental impacts from increased mining. The document emphasizes the need for standardized measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) protocols and updated mineral mapping to scale the process responsibly.

This briefing from the World Resources Institute outlines two speculative carbon removal approaches: carbon mineralization and enhanced root crops. It details the theoretical potential, current barriers, and recommended federal research and development funding required to advance these technologies.