| Title | Synergy between Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Geothermal Energy in Kenya: A Pathway to Climate Innovation |
|---|---|
| Authors | Anastasia Wanjohi |
| Year | 2026 |
| Conference | World Geothermal Congress |
| Keywords | |
| Abstract | As the global push for net-zero intensifies, the intersection of CCS with geothermal energy presents an innovative pathway for climate mitigation. Kenya, a global frontrunner in geothermal energy, is well-positioned to drive sustainable energy innovation through the integration of CCS within its extensive geothermal infrastructure. The country’s Rift Valley, characterized by basaltic formations, offers a promising opportunity for permanent CO₂ mineralization enabling safe CO₂ sequestration as shown by recent geoscientific studies. Significantly, the Paris Agreement’s Article 6 recognizes carbon removals, including CCS, as eligible for international carbon markets. This development creates both a policy foundation and financial incentive for countries like Kenya to scale CCS in tandem with geothermal growth. Kenya is at the forefront of this innovation through Cella’s pilot project, the first geological CO₂ storage initiative in Africa. This project demonstrates how geothermal regions can anchor carbon removal technologies and create climate-smart energy systems. This paper explores the technical and economic feasibility of synergizing CCS with geothermal energy and the potential and early progress within the sector. It discusses how existing geothermal infrastructure, including non-productive wells, can be repurposed for CO₂ storage. Additionally, by utilizing geothermal plants’ excess heat and infrastructure, CO₂ can be captured and stored in volcanic rocks. These synergies enable efficient land use, shared infrastructure, and reduced deployment costs, key enablers for scaling decarbonization in emerging economies. We will share early lessons, identify policy and stakeholder engagement needs, and explore how geothermal-CCS integration can unlock sustainable development and energy security while advancing global climate goals. |