RepAir and C-Questra to develop EU’s first onshore CO2 removal project in France

RepAir Carbon US Inc., a developer of Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, announced that it has formed a strategic partnership with C-Questra, a carbon storage startup, for the development of the European Union’s first onshore Direct Air Capture and Storage (DACS) project in France.  

This project represents the EU's first onshore Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) initiative, sidestepping the need for costly midstream and offshore infrastructure. 

Located in Grandpuits near Paris, the project involves C-Questra seeking a permit to develop an onshore CO2 storage site.  

The goal is to capture and remove 100,000 tons of CO2 annually by 2030 and scale up to megaton levels by 2035. 

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The initiative employs an innovative, heat-free, and highly modular electrochemical technology from RepAir, which cuts energy usage by 70% compared to traditional DAC methods by relying exclusively on electricity. 

As per the release, RepAir’s carbon capture technology only requires electricity. It eliminates the cost and risk factors associated with traditional DAC solutions. 

Conventional DAC solutions face obstacles and criticisms, such as their high energy consumption, high cost, and potential health and safety risks due to their reliance on solvents and sorbents.  

"This is setting a new standard for efficient, scalable carbon removal in Europe," said Jean-Philippe Hiegel, Head of Strategy and Growth at RepAir Carbon.  

He added, "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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Moreover, the partnership will generate local manufacturing opportunities in the Île-de-France region and plans to develop similar DACS projects in other EU countries.  

Aligned with France’s new carbon capture and storage strategy, which sets ambitious CO2 capture and storage targets for 2030.  

The project is well-positioned to secure European funding, including from the Innovation Fund, which has yet to support any Direct Air Capture initiatives.