RepAir Carbon US Inc. and C-Questra Launch EU’s First Onshore Carbon Dioxide Removal Project
In a significant development for the European Union’s efforts to combat climate change, RepAir Carbon US Inc. and C-Questra have unveiled a strategic partnership focused on developing the EU’s inaugural onshore Direct Air Capture and Storage (DACS) project. This venture, sited in France, represents a bold stride towards enhancing Europe’s competitiveness in the global decarbonization arena.
At the heart of this pioneering project is RepAir Carbon’s innovative energy-efficient Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, which promises a remarkable reduction in energy consumption. Unlike conventional DAC systems that are energy-intensive and use materials requiring frequent replacement, RepAir’s electrochemical technology relies purely on electricity, slashing energy requirements by an astounding 70%. This advance addresses one of the principal challenges facing DAC technology adoption—the prohibitive cost and environmental impact of high energy consumption.
The project’s significance is manifold. Not only is it the EU’s first onshore CDR initiative, eliminating the need for costly midstream and offshore infrastructure, but it also pioneers the co-location of carbon capture and storage facilities. This approach significantly cuts down on the infrastructure required, enhancing efficiency and potentially setting a new model for carbon reduction projects worldwide.
The collaboration between RepAir and C-Questra is set to unfold in Grandpuits, near Paris, where C-Questra has proposed an onshore CO2 storage site. By the ambitious target year of 2030, the project aims to remove up to 100,000 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere annually, with plans to scale this up to megaton levels by 2035. Such large-scale carbon removal is deemed crucial by environmental experts for significantly lowering atmospheric CO2 levels and combating climate change.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the partnership paves the way for the development of local manufacturing opportunities in the Île-de-France region, promising the creation of new green jobs. There are also plans to extend similar DACS models to other EU countries, leveraging the unique strengths of both companies.
“This marks a new paradigm for efficient, scalable carbon removal in Europe,” remarked Jean-Philippe Hiegel of RepAir Carbon. Highlighting the groundbreaking low energy consumption of their technology and C-Questra’s specialized carbon storage expertise, Hiegel underscored the project’s potential to overcome barriers to DACS adoption.
Walid Sinno, Founder and CEO of C-Questra, emphasized the importance of their partnership in showcasing Europe’s capacity to lead onshore DACS projects and counterbalance initiatives stimulated by the US Inflation Act, bringing Europe back to the forefront of the CDR field.
This French DACS project is well-aligned with France’s ambitious CCS strategy and the EU’s broader decarbonization goals. It is also positioned to leverage European funding opportunities, signaling a promising future for Direct Air Capture projects within the region.
RepAir Carbon and C-Questra’s collaboration represents a significant leap forward in the quest for viable, large-scale carbon dioxide removal solutions. With RepAir’s cutting-edge technology and C-Questra’s expertise in carbon storage, this project is a beacon of hope for sustainable industrial and environmental efforts in Europe and beyond.
