In a bold move towards industrial decarbonisation and sustainable energy, waste-to-energy innovator Compact Syngas Solutions (CSS) has secured multi-million-pound funding under a new United Nations initiative to revolutionise the Kenyan tea sector. This pioneering project not only represents a significant milestone for CSS—a Deeside-based company known for its advanced gasification technologies—but also signals a transformative shift in how energy is sourced and used in a vital global industry.

A Game-Changer for the Kenyan Tea Industry

Kenya is one of the world’s top tea producers, generating an estimated £1 billion in annual revenue from tea exports, with a significant share of its high-quality product reaching British consumers. Yet, behind this impressive economic figure lies a sector beset by challenges. The tea industry in Kenya has long been vulnerable to an unreliable and expensive electricity grid. Producers have traditionally relied on diesel generators and wood for heat—a dependence that not only escalates production costs but also contributes to environmental degradation.

In this context, the funding awarded by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Accelerate-to-Demonstrate (A2D) facility, complemented by additional private sector investment, marks a turning point. The three-year project will see CSS develop a 500kW MicroHub at a tea factory in Kenya, in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Supivaa Advisory Group. This facility aims to deliver cleaner, more reliable energy, reduce the carbon footprint of tea processing, and address the energy insecurity that has long plagued the industry.

Paul Willacy, CEO of Compact Syngas Solutions, captured the significance of the project by stating, “This United Nations funding is an incredible boost for us, and will be a game-changer for the Kenyan tea industry that produces so much of the tea we drink. The Kenya tea industry is under threat from an unreliable and expensive power supply, and our MicroHub will show an easy way for factories to decarbonise.” His enthusiasm reflects a shared optimism that this initiative could set a new benchmark for sustainable industrial practices in emerging economies.

Innovative Waste-to-Energy Technology at the Core

At the heart of this project is CSS’s state-of-the-art gasification process, a technology that converts high-carbon biomass—including tea prunings—into syngas. This syngas, a blend of hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, can be used as a cleaner fuel alternative to diesel. Compared to conventional diesel generators, the use of syngas can save up to 2.8 kilograms of carbon dioxide for every litre of diesel replaced and reduce emissions by up to 1.98 tonnes per tonne of fuelwood.

Beyond simply generating energy, the gasification process also produces biochar—a carbonised biomass that offers numerous agricultural benefits. When applied to farmland, biochar can significantly enhance soil productivity by improving nutrient retention and water retention capacity, thereby reducing the need for chemical fertilisers. Moreover, the biochar sequesters carbon dioxide, helping to lock away emissions and create tradable carbon credits. This dual benefit of energy production and carbon mitigation is poised to offer a substantial competitive advantage to Kenya’s tea industry.

Digital Integration and Supply Chain Efficiency

One of the most compelling aspects of the project is its integration of digital technologies to monitor the biomass supply chain and track the environmental impact. A bespoke digital tool will be implemented to ensure that the MicroHub operates optimally, synchronising with other energy sources and managing heat recovery for the factory’s boiler. This digital oversight will not only guarantee uninterrupted energy supply but also enable real-time adjustments to maximise efficiency and sustainability.

This approach is emblematic of a broader trend in industrial decarbonisation, where data analytics and digital monitoring are increasingly being used to fine-tune operations and reduce environmental impact. By utilising cutting-edge digital solutions, CSS and its partners are setting a new standard for transparency and accountability in energy production—a critical factor in today’s world where environmental sustainability is paramount.

Socio-Economic and Employment Benefits

The project’s benefits extend well beyond energy savings and environmental protection. With each 500kW MicroHub expected to create up to ten skilled technical and operational jobs—along with an additional ten roles in fabrication and support—the initiative is poised to have a significant socio-economic impact. In Kenya, it is estimated that the project could generate approximately 300 jobs within the first five years, providing much-needed employment opportunities in regions where job creation is a critical priority.

Furthermore, the project places a strong emphasis on gender inclusivity in a sector where women have historically been underrepresented. Currently, only 7% of Kenya’s engineers are women. In a progressive move, the consortium behind the project—Supivaa-Co-REGEN—has committed to building a pipeline of female gasification technicians and operators. This initiative not only aims to diversify the workforce but also seeks to empower women in engineering and technology fields, thereby contributing to broader social development goals.

Environmental Impact and Carbon Reduction

The environmental implications of the project are far-reaching. By replacing traditional diesel generators and wood-based heating systems with a cleaner, more sustainable energy source, the project is set to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly. This is particularly important in the context of global climate change, where industrial decarbonisation is crucial to meeting international climate targets.

The project’s innovative use of biomass not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also promotes a circular economy by transforming agricultural waste into valuable energy and soil-enhancing biochar. This circular approach to resource use helps mitigate waste disposal issues, improves soil health, and offers a tangible solution to the problem of declining soil fertility—a major concern for tea growers facing rising fertiliser costs and intensifying drought conditions.

In addition, the generation of tradable carbon credits from biochar presents an exciting opportunity for tea producers. These credits can provide an additional revenue stream, incentivising further adoption of sustainable practices. By combining economic benefits with environmental stewardship, the project exemplifies how green technology can serve as a catalyst for sustainable industrial growth.

Strategic International Collaboration

The success of this ambitious project is underpinned by strategic international collaboration. The funding from the UNIDO Accelerate-to-Demonstrate facility marks one of the first five projects under the new United Nations scheme aimed at driving industrial decarbonisation. This initiative reflects a growing global consensus on the need for sustainable energy solutions, particularly in sectors that have traditionally been hard to decarbonise.

The partnership also includes significant contributions from the private sector, which underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in addressing global challenges. By leveraging expertise from diverse sectors—ranging from advanced energy technologies to agricultural innovation—the project is well-positioned to overcome the complex challenges that have long hindered sustainable development in emerging markets.

The involvement of international figures further highlights the project’s global significance. Notable personalities such as Paul Willacy, Aarti Shah of Co-REGEN, and HE Manoah Esipisu, then Kenya’s High Commissioner to the UK, have been actively engaged in promoting the project. Their support not only lends credibility to the initiative but also helps forge stronger ties between the UK, Kenya, and the broader international community.

The Broader Context of Energy Transition

This project comes at a time when the global energy landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation. As countries around the world commit to reducing their carbon footprints and transitioning to cleaner energy sources, innovative solutions like waste-to-energy gasification are gaining prominence. In Wales, where Compact Syngas Solutions is based, there has been a concerted effort to develop technologies that can both harness renewable energy and address long-standing environmental challenges.

Recent government funding of nearly £4 million to enhance biomass and waste-to-hydrogen plants through carbon capture further underscores the commitment to green energy in the UK. These investments are designed to complement international efforts, such as the UNIDO project in Kenya, by creating a network of sustainable energy solutions that span continents and sectors.

Moreover, the project aligns with global trends towards decarbonisation in hard-to-abate industries. The tea sector, traditionally dependent on diesel and wood for power, stands to benefit immensely from this transition. By adopting cleaner energy practices, the industry can enhance its resilience to volatile energy markets while contributing to broader efforts to combat climate change.

Future Prospects and Global Expansion

The implications of the project extend far beyond Kenya. If successful, the pilot is expected to serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives across the African continent and beyond. Plans are already underway to expand the project to Malawi, Uganda, and South Africa—countries that face comparable challenges in terms of energy security and agricultural sustainability. This regional expansion could eventually pave the way for a global network of waste-to-energy facilities, driving widespread adoption of clean energy technologies in diverse industrial sectors.

By demonstrating the practical benefits of advanced gasification technology in a fully operational tea factory, CSS aims to catalyse industry-wide change. The project is expected to highlight how a combination of innovative technology, robust digital monitoring, and strategic international partnerships can overcome entrenched challenges in energy production. This success story could inspire other industries to explore similar solutions, thereby accelerating the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

Humanising the Technology: Impact on Communities

While the technological and economic benefits of the project are substantial, its human impact is equally noteworthy. For many tea-producing communities in Kenya, energy insecurity has been a persistent barrier to growth and development. Frequent power outages and high energy costs have hampered productivity, reduced income stability, and exacerbated social challenges. The introduction of a reliable and sustainable energy source promises to transform the livelihoods of thousands of people.

The project’s focus on job creation and skills development is particularly significant. By training local workers in cutting-edge gasification technology and digital monitoring systems, the initiative is empowering communities with the skills needed for the future economy. The deliberate effort to build a pipeline of female technicians further emphasises the commitment to social inclusivity, providing opportunities for a more diverse workforce in an industry that has historically been male-dominated.

Community engagement will be a key component of the project’s implementation strategy. Regular site visits, participatory monitoring, and transparent evaluation processes are designed to ensure that the benefits of the project are widely shared. By fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration among local stakeholders, the project not only enhances its operational success but also builds lasting social capital—a critical ingredient for sustainable development.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

As with any pioneering project, there are challenges to overcome. The transition from traditional energy sources to advanced waste-to-energy technologies requires careful planning, substantial investment, and robust risk management. Uncertainties in biomass supply, fluctuations in global energy prices, and potential regulatory hurdles are factors that must be meticulously managed. However, the comprehensive digital monitoring system integrated into the project is expected to provide the agility needed to adapt to these challenges in real time.

Moreover, establishing a stable biomass supply chain that meets stringent environmental and social safeguards is no small feat. The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture will play a crucial role in managing this aspect, ensuring that the sourcing of biomass is sustainable and that biochar is applied effectively to enhance soil productivity. Their expertise will be vital in maintaining the delicate balance between industrial output and environmental stewardship.

Despite these challenges, the overall outlook remains positive. The combination of UNIDO funding, private sector investment, and strong international collaboration creates a robust foundation for the project’s success. As Compact Syngas Solutions and its partners navigate these complexities, their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and human development will be key to unlocking the full potential of this groundbreaking initiative.

Conclusion: Lighting the Way for a Cleaner, Greener Future

The multi-million-pound funding awarded to Compact Syngas Solutions marks a watershed moment for both the Kenyan tea sector and the global movement towards sustainable energy. By harnessing the power of advanced gasification technology and integrating it with cutting-edge digital monitoring, this project promises to deliver cleaner energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and transform the lives of countless individuals involved in tea production.

In a world where energy security and environmental sustainability are increasingly intertwined, the Welsh energy firm’s pioneering efforts offer a beacon of hope. The project is not only a technical innovation but also a powerful testament to the potential of international cooperation, community engagement, and forward-thinking policy to drive meaningful change. With plans for expansion across Africa and beyond, the initiative stands poised to redefine the future of industrial decarbonisation.

As the project moves forward over the next three years, its success will be closely watched by policymakers, industry leaders, and communities alike. The lessons learned in Kenya could well inform global best practices in sustainable energy production and provide a replicable model for other industries facing similar challenges. For the Kenyan tea industry, the promise of reliable, cleaner energy is set to usher in a new era of productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship—ensuring that every cup of tea not only delights the senses but also contributes to a healthier planet.

In essence, the project is a vivid illustration of how innovative technology, when combined with strategic funding and a commitment to social inclusion, can pave the way for a brighter, greener future. It reaffirms the critical importance of investing in clean energy solutions that address both immediate operational challenges and long-term environmental goals. As Compact Syngas Solutions and its partners forge ahead, they are not just creating cleaner energy—they are lighting the way towards a sustainable future for industries and communities around the world.

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photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

1st April, 2025