2024-09-05 09:00:00
Following a BRGM study as part of the European PilotStrategy project (2021-2026), the Grandpuits area was identified as suitable for underground CO2 storage in saline aquifers at a depth of 1,800 metres. The Dutch start-up C-Questra, which specialises in CO2 storage logistics, has filed the first exploration application for the area.
However, after digging a well, to carry out its injection and sequestration tests, C-Questra will need CO2. This is the Israeli start-up RepAIr “who will provide it to him”explains Jean-Philippe Hiegel, its strategy and development director, who joined the company after 15 years at TotalEnergies and a stint at the Northern Lights joint venture, dedicated to offshore CO2 storage in Norway. Founded in 2020 in Yoqneam, Israel, RepAir is developing technology from the research laboratory of Dr. Yushan Yan, professor of chemistry and holder of the Henry Belin du Pont chair at the University of Delaware.
70% less energy-intensive
Unlike other solutions for capturing CO2 in the air, based on liquid or solid solvents such as those at Climeworks, RepAiR uses an electrochemical process. It uses cells composed of two nickel electrodes and a classic electrolyser membrane. “We use electricity to capture CO2”says Jean-Philippe Hiegel. This process allows continuous capture, at room temperature and with a low intensity current. A difference compared to other technologies which involve regenerating the solvents or absorbents once saturated with CO2 during operations carried out at high temperature, and therefore energy-intensive. “This allows our technology to display an energy consumption of around 600 kWh per tonne of CO2, compared to around 2.5 MWh for other technologies, i.e. 70% less”says the spokesperson for RepAIr.
On its website, the company explains in detail how its technology works: “Atmospheric air is drawn into the cathode, where the applied electrical current generates hydroxides that bind CO2 molecules as carbonate and bicarbonate ions. Only these ions pass through the selective membrane to the anode, where the binding process is reversed, the hydroxides are consumed, and pure CO2 gas is extracted. The polarities of the electrodes and the incoming airflow are swapped every hour to allow for direct and continuous air exhaust. These cells are then stacked like building blocks, multiplying the carbon removal capacity of the solution while minimizing its physical footprint.”
5000 hours of capture already completed
With an initial $10 million fundraising in 2022, RepAir has built a pilot unit with a capacity to capture one ton of CO2 per year from the air on the roof of its Yoqneam laboratories. Installed in October 2023, it has already enabled the accumulation of data from 5,000 hours of capture carried out on three test lines to evaluate the performance of the electrodes. In parallel, the team has filed a patent to replace cell separators with recycled polymer rather than metal. “We are also working with partners to develop a membrane more appropriate to our needs. The one used today, bought off the shelf, is too efficient and expensive for our use.”says RepAir’s strategy director. It is the start-up that will produce its electrodes “in gigafactories spread across continents near the capture locations”specifies Jean-Philippe Hiegel.
So many improvements and industrial choices that should allow RepAir to keep its commitment to a process that emits only 5% of the CO2 captured over its life cycle. And to display a capture price of less than 100 euros per ton of CO2. Modular, the storage units will be able to capture up to 1 million tons of CO2 per year on the same site. With the idea of installing them near the storage locations. RepAir has already entered into a partnership in April with the New York start-up Cella, specialized in the mineralization of CO2, for a first project in Kenya powered by geothermal electricity, and is in discussions with the Omani company 44-21. The start-up also announced in June a partnership with the company EnEarth for offshore storage in Greece and in August with C-Questra for onshore storage in France, but also in Poland.
The company, which employs 26 people, is preparing a second round of fundraising of around $50 million for 2025. It has also just opened an office in the United States.
1725614414
#Grandpuits #energyefficient #CO2 #capture #project #air #RepAir #CQuestra
Revolutionizing CO2 Capture: RepAir’s Electrochemical Breakthrough
As the world grapples with the escalating threat of climate change, innovative solutions are emerging to combat the growing menace of carbon emissions. In this quest, Israeli start-up RepAir is making waves with its pioneering electrochemical technology for capturing CO2 from the air, poised to disrupt the carbon capture industry.
The Grandpuits Project: A Potential Game-Changer
In a significant development, the Grandpuits area in France has been identified as a suitable location for underground CO2 storage in saline aquifers at a depth of 1,800 meters, as part of the European PilotStrategy project (2021-2026). Dutch start-up C-Questra has filed the first exploration application for the area, marking a crucial step towards large-scale CO2 sequestration. However, to conduct its injection and sequestration tests, C-Questra requires a reliable source of CO2, which is where RepAir comes into the picture.
RepAir’s Innovative Solution
Founded in 2020 in Yoqneam, Israel, RepAir is developing a revolutionary technology that leverages electrochemistry to capture CO2 from the air. This process utilizes cells comprising two nickel electrodes and a traditional electrolyzer membrane. By using electricity to capture CO2, RepAir’s technology boasts a significantly lower energy consumption of approximately 600 kWh per ton of CO2, a staggering 70% reduction compared to other methods.
How it Works
RepAir’s innovative technology employs an electrochemical process to capture CO2 from atmospheric air. The air is drawn into the cathode, where an electrical current generates hydroxides that bind CO2 molecules as carbonate and bicarbonate ions. These ions then pass through a selective membrane to the anode, where the binding process is reversed, and pure CO2 gas is extracted. The polarities of the electrodes and incoming airflow are swapped every hour to enable direct and continuous air exhaust.
A Proven Track Record
With an initial fundraising of $10 million in 2022, RepAir has built a pilot unit with a capacity to capture one ton of CO2 per year from the air on the roof of its Yoqneam laboratories. This unit has already accumulated data from 5,000 hours of capture, carried out on three test lines to evaluate the performance of the electrodes. Additionally, the team has filed a patent to replace cell separators with recycled polymer, reducing costs and environmental impact.
Industrial-Scale Ambitions
RepAir is committed to scaling up its technology to produce electrodes in gigafactories spread across continents, near the capture locations. This modular approach will enable the company to capture up to 1 million tons of CO2 per year on a single site, with the goal of installing units near storage locations. With its innovative technology and industrial-scale ambitions, RepAir is poised to play a significant role in the global fight against climate change.
Conclusion
RepAir’s electrochemical breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the carbon capture industry, offering a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution. As the world navigates the complexities of climate change, innovative companies like RepAir are providing a beacon of hope for a sustainable future.
Keywords: CO2 capture, carbon sequestration, electrochemical technology, RepAir, Grandpuits project, C-Questra, European PilotStrategy project.
Meta Description: Discover how RepAir’s innovative electrochemical technology is poised to revolutionize the carbon capture industry, offering a more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution to combat climate change.
