Tomorrow's Air, a leading advocate for sustainable travel owned by the Adventure Travel Trade Association, has announced a pivotal partnership with Octavia Carbon, Kenya's pioneering direct air capture company.
"We are thrilled to partner with Octavia Carbon, a pioneer in direct air capture in the Global South,” said Christina Beckman of Tomorrow’s Air. “This collaboration not only strengthens our carbon removal efforts due to its unique geology, but also supports local communities and highlights the unique environmental benefits of Kenya, known to travelers as a dream destination. It’s a win-win for our customers and the planet.”
Set to begin operations in November 2024, Octavia's plant in Naivasha, along the Kenyan Rift Valley, will harness the country's 93% renewable power grid. Notably, more than 80% of the plant's energy needs will be met by geothermal waste heat, making the carbon removal process highly efficient and cost-effective.
This collaboration not only strengthens our carbon removal efforts due to its unique geology, but also supports local communities and highlights the unique environmental benefits of Kenya, known to travelers as a dream destination. It’s a win-win for our customers and the planet.
The region's basaltic rock formations serve as natural carbon dioxide reservoirs, eliminating the need for costly infrastructure and transportation, thus reducing operational expenses. This geological advantage, combined with renewable energy use, significantly enhances the efficiency of carbon removal.
Beyond environmental benefits, the project offers substantial community advantages. It has created jobs for Kenyans, with plans to extend employment opportunities to local Maasai and Kikuyu communities. The 99% Kenyan Octavia team, currently around 60 strong, is set to grow with expanding operations.
For travel companies and travelers, this partnership offers a unique opportunity to contribute to global climate action. Travel businesses can partner with Tomorrow's Air to include carbon removal payments in their trip offerings, while travelers can purchase directly through the website.
"With Tomorrow’s Air, we know we’ll be helping to educate and inspire travelers who will hopefully share what they know with others,” said Martin Freimueller, founder and CEO of Octavia Carbon. “Connecting with travel businesses and travelers is especially exciting for us, and we hope every traveler who comes on safari to Kenya might also learn about the significant carbon removal industry being launched in this vibrant, fertile region.”
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Tomorrow's Air. It has been fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.