Paris, January 23, 2025
AFEN appoints Hugues d'Antin as Secretary to accelerate the development of an ambitious and responsible Carbon Removal industry in France
The Association Française pour les Émissions Négatives (AFEN) announces the appointment of Hugues d'Antin as Secretary effective January 27th, 2025. This appointment comes at a decisive moment when France must develop a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) industry that matches its climate ambitions and represents the opportunity to seize its industrial potential.
A wealth of experience at the public-private interface, Hugues d'Antin will bring his invaluable expertise to bear on the development of this strategic sector. His background, which combines experience of major industrial groups (SUEZ), innovation (Fairmat) and public institutions, gives him a detailed understanding of the challenges of developing a new industrial sector and of public environmental and climate policies.
"Hugues' arrival marks a new chapter in our mission to make France a leader in Carbon Removal," says Julie Gosalvez, AFEN's Board Chair. "His experience will be crucial in developing a responsible and fair CDR industry that combines climate ambition, technological excellence, and value creation across our territory."
"Developing carbon removal in France is both a climate imperative and a major industrial opportunity," notes Hugues d'Antin. "I am excited to contribute, alongside all ecosystem stakeholders, to building this future industry that will combine technological excellence and shared benefits."
This appointment comes at an opportune time: the adoption of the European CRCF provides a robust framework for quality CDR projects, while the revision of the SNBC offers the opportunity to fully integrate CDR into French climate strategy. With a removal potential of 70 MtCO2/year by 2050 and unique assets (cutting-edge research, decarbonized energy mix, storage capacity), France has all the tools to develop a rapidly competitive CDR industry that creates many job opportunities.