RepAir Carbon US Inc., a developer of energy-efficient Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, and C-Questra, a European carbon storage startup, have teamed up to launch the European Union’s first onshore Direct Air Capture and Storage (DACS) project. Located in Grandpuits, near Paris, France, this initiative marks a significant advancement in Europe’s efforts to combat climate change by reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
The project aims to remove 100,000 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere annually by 2030, with plans to increase this capacity to megatons by 2035, significantly lowering CO2 levels in the atmosphere. A key feature of this project is its use of RepAir’s energy-efficient technology, which reduces energy consumption by 70% compared to conventional DAC solutions by relying solely on electricity.
Conventional DAC systems often face criticism due to their high energy demands and reliance on solvents and sorbents that require regular replacement, introducing potential health and safety risks. In contrast, RepAir’s technology uses only electricity, offering a safer, more cost-effective, and scalable solution.
The project also eliminates the need for costly midstream and offshore infrastructure by co-locating both capture and storage facilities onshore. This makes the initiative more efficient and less expensive, setting a new standard for carbon removal in Europe. In addition to its environmental benefits, the project also aims to create new green jobs in the Île-de-France region and serve as a model for similar projects across the EU.
Jean-Philippe Hiegel, Head of Strategy and Growth at RepAir Carbon said, “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.”
Walid Sinno, Founder and CEO of C-Questra, emphasised the importance of the partnership for Europe. “As one of the few CO2 storage companies independent of the fossil fuel industry, C-Questra offers the 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.”