en.Wedoany.com Reported - California Resources Corporation (CRC) has achieved the first carbon dioxide injection at the Carbon TerraVault I (CTV I) project, a facility consisting of two depleted oil and gas reservoirs.
Located at CRC's Elk Hills oil field in Kern County, this carbon capture and storage (CCS) project is the first operational CCS project in California. The project captures carbon dioxide from CRC's cryogenic gas plant and utilizes existing oil and gas infrastructure to inject the carbon dioxide more than a mile underground for storage.
Francisco Leon, President and CEO of CRC, stated that the first injection at CTV I demonstrates California's ability to lead in practical, scalable, and cost-effective climate solutions. The project, which involved years of technical work, rigorous regulatory review, and collaboration with state and federal agencies, aims to achieve real emission reductions and enhance energy resilience.
CRC noted that the two reservoirs used for storage, 26R and A1-A2, have a combined storage capacity of 38 million tons, with the 26R reservoir capable of storing up to 1.46 million tons of carbon dioxide annually.
California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the Golden State is building the full suite of tools needed to achieve its climate goals, and the Carbon TerraVault I project proves that innovation and ambition are California's way. This first-of-its-kind project in Kern County will permanently store carbon pollution underground for the first time in California's history, representing a climate solution that drives the industries and infrastructure needed for a clean future, while helping create high-paying jobs in local communities.
As part of the CTV I Community Benefits Plan, CRC has committed over $1 million to support communities across Kern County. During 2026, a community advisory committee composed of local stakeholders will assess and respond to regional needs.
CTV I–26R is part of the Carbon TerraVault joint venture between CRC and Brookfield, and is the first reservoir in California to receive a final Class VI permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Lauren Sanchez, Chair of the California Air Resources Board, stated that carbon capture, utilization, and storage is a critical piece of California's climate solution puzzle and an important tool for achieving carbon neutrality. Achieving climate goals requires both reducing emissions and storing emissions, and this milestone demonstrates how to advance every viable solution forward to meet those goals.
In addition to CTV I–26R, CRC has submitted applications for EPA Class VI permits for eight additional CTV storage reservoirs, with a total potential carbon dioxide storage capacity of approximately 352 million tons, expected to be developed around California.
Craig Frenette, Senior Vice President at Brookfield, stated that the first injection at CTV I is an exciting milestone for carbon management in California, representing the beginning of a new chapter in the scalability of climate solutions, with significant growth opportunities for CTV. The project lays the foundation for long-term impact.
Chris Gould, Managing Director of CTV, stated that the project utilizes a reservoir that has stored hydrocarbons for millions of years. The first injection at CTV I is the result of years of dedication by the team, capturing and permanently storing carbon dioxide from operations, demonstrating the ability to safely deliver complex, first-of-its-kind projects that help reduce CRC's net operational emissions and lower the carbon intensity of the electricity provided to Californians.
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