Decarbonizing the Global Economy with a USG-led Clean Technology Export Initiative - Spring

Team Members: Caterina Favino (Manager), Radhika Ajayan (Deputy Manager), Christian Fischer, Joey Kemeny, Saiarchana Darira, Sarah Malott, Jeremy Raguain, Aurélie Rodzynek, Friedrich Sayn-Wittgenstein, Tetsu Watanabe, Yue Yu, Liana Zogbi

This project evaluated the strategic potential for the United States to export clean energy technologies—specifically geothermal energy and green hydrogen—to Kenya, Indonesia, the Philippines, Chile, and Japan. Research findings highlight that Kenya currently generates nearly 50% of its electricity from geothermal sources, yet it possesses an untapped potential of 10,000 MW along the East African Rift Valley. The team’s technical analysis identifies that high upfront exploration risks and a lack of specialized drilling equipment are the primary barriers to expansion. In Indonesia and the Philippines, scientific data indicates that while geothermal potential is vast, regulatory hurdles and complex volcanic geography increase the "levelized cost of energy" (LCOE) compared to fossil fuels. The report also explores the burgeoning green hydrogen market, particularly in Chile and Japan. Scientific results show that Chile’s wind and solar resources could allow it to produce the world’s cheapest green hydrogen by 2030, at costs below $1.50/kg. However, the research emphasizes that "green" ammonia is a more viable carrier for long-distance maritime transport due to its higher energy density and existing global infrastructure. The team’s findings conclude that a U.S. government-led export initiative must provide not only hardware but also technical assistance in resource mapping and regulatory reform. By leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), the U.S. can help these nations bypass carbon-intensive development, securing a role as a leading provider of the critical technologies needed to achieve the 1.5°C climate target while fostering international energy security.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone projects.