Courtesy photo provided by the CRC.

California Resources Corporation (CRC) held a groundbreaking ceremony on Oct. 16 for Carbon TerraVault I (CTV I), the state’s first Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Project, marking a significant milestone in California’s clean energy transition.

The event was held at CRC’s Elk Hills Cryogenic Gas Plant in Kern County, celebrating the launch of CTV I, the first project in California to receive permits from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the underground injection and permanent storage of carbon dioxide. 

“It’s truly fitting that it’s here in Elk Hills, this field has been producing energy for Californians for over 100 years,” said Francisco Leon, president and CEO of CRC. “At CRC, our mission is very clear: we need to continue to provide energy for Californians while investing in a responsible path to get there.” 

CTV I is expected to begin carbon dioxide injection by early 2026. The project is a joint venture between CRC and Brookfield Renewable and is designed to store up to 1.6 million metric tons of CO2 per year, with a total capacity of 46 million metric tons. That is equivalent to the emissions of nearly 400,000 passenger vehicles or the energy use of over 200,000 American households. 

Brookfield Renewable operates one of the world’s largest traded, pure play renewable power plant platforms. Brookefield’s partnership with the CRC is focused on CCS development opportunities. Brookfield Renewable Partners has committed $500 million to support CRC’s statewide projects.  

The project captures carbon dioxide from natural gas power plants and direct air sources, transporting it by a pipeline for secure underground storage. Operators will monitor the site to ensure safety and long-term stability, while the plant continues generating electricity with reduced emissions. 

Leon called the project a major achievement for both the company and the state. “Carbon TerraVault I is a big milestone for CRC and for California. It’s a showcase to the world that California can lead the way in clean technologies at scale,” he said. “It takes companies like CRC to bring market solutions forward that are profitable and provide real sustainable solutions. CCS is a globally recognized tool that we have as a society to decarbonize.” 

The event was also attended by local officials and community leaders. Leticia Perez, supervisor for Kern County, praised CRC’s commitment to the community and to innovation in energy,”CRC is more than science and scientists,” she said. “You’ve shown real commitment to Kern County families by offering living wages, partnerships, and opportunities. On behalf of our community, thank you for leading in energy innovation.” 

Courtesy photo provided by the CRC.

Taft Mayor Dave Noerr also expressed his support for the project. “The city of Taft and the west side of Kern County have a legacy of innovation,” he said. “We don’t run from it, we look at it as an opportunity.” 

Noerr emphasized the long-standing role of Taft and West Kern in energy development. “Taft and West Kern have been the hub of innovation and emerging technology for over 115 years,” he said. “This project and this science are going to be even more critical to help decarbonize what we know we’ll need for future generations.” 

CRC currently holds seven EPA Class VI permits for CCS across the Elk Hills, Central Valley and Sacramento Basin regions, with an estimated total storage capacity of 325 million metric tons, equivalent to taking 2.8 million passenger vehicles off the road. 

CRC, an independent energy and carbon management company, is spearheading the initiative through its Carbon TerraVault business. CRC emphasized the project not only advances California’s climate goals but also leverages its unique land and mineral assets to deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions in the energy transition.