Negative emissions: the startup ecosystem in France

Abstract

Achieving carbon neutrality (Net Zero) by 2050 requires, in addition to massive emissions reductions, the development of tools to actively remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. So-called "negative emissions" technologies have become an indispensable lever. All over the world, start-ups are exploring innovative approaches: direct air capture, mineralization, biochar, enhanced weathering and ocean-based solutions, with very contrasting levels of maturity and impact.

This presentation will focus on the French ecosystem of start-ups developing these solutions. It will analyze the technological concepts involved, their stage of development, the business models envisaged, as well as financing requirements in a context where regulatory frameworks, notably around the carbon market and certification mechanisms, are still under construction.

We will also explore the role of the scientific associations that accompany these innovations, as well as the diverse motivations of investors involved in this sector: environmental, economic or strategic. Taken together, these dynamics are shaping an evolving landscape, at the crossroads of climate policy, green finance and technological innovation.

Caroline Thaler

Caroline Thaler holds a PhD in biogeochemistry from the University of Paris. For 10 years she worked on the carbon cycle and biomineralization in academia, in France and abroad, and founded the startup Bloomineral, housed in the Climate and Environmental Sciences Laboratory. Bloomineral is developing a CO₂ capture and mineralization technology to accelerate the replacement of carbon-intensive construction materials with carbon-negative and bio-based materials. Caroline Thaler was involved in the founding of the company, and is a member of the board of AFEN, the French association for negative emissions. AFEN structures the development and deployment of CO₂ elimination technologies in France.