RepAir Carbon and C-Questra Pioneer EU's First Onshore CO2 Removal Initiative

In a bold move towards enhancing Europe’s decarbonization efforts, two pioneering carbon tech startups, RepAir Carbon and C-Questra, have partnered to launch the European Union's first onshore Direct Air Capture and Storage (DACS) project in France. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the EU’s battle against climate change and highlights the innovative approaches these companies are bringing to the table.

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A Groundbreaking Partnership

RepAir Carbon, based in Sunny Isles Beach, FL, is known for its uniquely energy-efficient Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology. C-Questra, an Amsterdam-based carbon storage startup, specializes in the CO2 storage value chain, focusing on sustainable solutions that operate independently from the fossil fuel industry. Together, they are set to revolutionize how carbon dioxide is captured and stored in Europe.

This project is particularly promising because it eliminates the need for expensive midstream and offshore infrastructure. It also uses a heat-free, ultra-modular electrochemical technology provided by RepAir, which reduces energy consumption by 70% compared to conventional DAC solutions by relying solely on electricity. This innovation provides an efficient, cost-effective, and scalable solution for atmospheric CO2 removal.

The First Onshore Carbon Removal Project in the EU

The partnership between RepAir and C-Questra is more than just a business deal; it's a commitment to developing sustainable solutions that can be replicated across Europe. The project is located in Grandpuits, near Paris, where C-Questra has applied for a permit to develop an onshore CO2 storage site. By 2030, the goal is to remove 100,000 tons of CO2 per year from the atmosphere, with plans to scale up to megatons by 2035.

Jean-Philippe Hiegel, Head of Strategy and Growth at RepAir Carbon, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, "This is setting a new standard for efficient, scalable carbon removal in Europe. The combination of our technology, which uses just 0.6 MWh per ton of CO2 captured - compared to 2.5 MWh for most competitors - and C-Questra’s unique set of carbon storage expertise, addresses a key barrier to widespread DACS adoption. This is incredibly exciting given global decarbonisation needs.”

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The Technology Behind the Innovation

Conventional DAC solutions have faced criticism for their high energy consumption and reliance on solvents and sorbents that require regular replacement and introduce potential health and safety risks. In contrast, RepAir's approach is a groundbreaking innovation that requires only electricity, significantly reducing the environmental impact and making it a safer, more sustainable option.

The new partnership creates the first DACS value chain on French soil that enables co-location of capture and storage facilities, reducing midstream infrastructure needs. This co-location strategy is crucial for minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency, making it an attractive model for future projects in the EU and beyond.

Aligning with France’s CCS Strategy

The project aligns with France’s recently published CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) strategy, which outlines ambitious goals for the amount of CO2 that needs to be captured and stored in France by 2030. It is well-positioned to capitalize on European funding opportunities, including the Innovation Fund, where no Direct Air Capture project has yet been funded.

Walid Sinno, Founder and CEO of C-Questra, highlighted the strategic importance of the project, stating, "As one of the few CO2 storage companies operating independently from the fossil fuel industry, C-Questra offers the paramount safety, permanence, and sustainability needed to rapidly advance CCS projects in Europe. Our partnership with RepAir allows us to demonstrate Europe’s ability to mature onshore direct air capture and storage projects. This is important to balance the momentum created by the US Inflation Act and resurface Europe as a leader in the CDR space."

Creating Jobs and Expanding Impact

Beyond the environmental benefits, the collaboration also includes a commitment to explore local manufacturing opportunities in the Île-de-France region, which could create new green jobs and stimulate economic growth. This aspect of the project underscores the broader impact that sustainable technologies can have on communities and the economy.

The success of this project could set a precedent for similar DACS projects in other EU countries, contributing to Europe’s leadership in the global fight against climate change. It also positions RepAir Carbon and C-Questra as key players in the rapidly evolving carbon capture and storage industry.

Looking Ahead

RepAir Carbon has quickly established itself as a pioneer in the DAC space. This partnership with C-Questra follows another landmark DAC project in Greece, which is also aiming to reach megaton levels. RepAir is also focused on capturing CO2 from diluted point sources, such as aluminum smelting processes, showcasing the versatility and scalability of its technology.

As Europe continues to ramp up its decarbonization efforts, projects like this will be crucial in achieving the ambitious goals set by the EU. The collaboration between RepAir Carbon and C-Questra not only advances the technological capabilities of carbon capture and storage but also demonstrates the potential for strategic partnerships to drive significant progress in the fight against climate change.