The California Resources Corporation (CRC) has achieved the first carbon dioxide injection at Carbon TerraVault I (CTV I), which consists of two depleted oil and gas reservoirs.
The carbon capture and storage (CCS) project at CRC’s Elk Hills Field in Kern County is California’s first operational CCS project. The project sources CO2 from CRC’s cryogenic gas plant and takes advantage of existing oil and gas infrastructure to store captured CO2 more than a mile underground.
“First injection at CTV I demonstrates that California can lead on climate solutions that are practical, scalable, and cost-effective,” said CRC President and CEO Francisco Leon. “This project reflects years of technical work, rigorous regulatory review, and collaboration with state and federal agencies to deliver real emissions reductions while strengthening California’s energy resilience.”
CRC said the two reservoirs being used for storage—26R and A1-A2—have a storage potential of 38 million tonnes, adding that 26R will be capable of storing up to 1.46 mtpa of CO2.
“The Golden State is building the full suite of tools needed to meet our climate goals, and Carbon TerraVault I is proof that innovation and ambition are the California way,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom. “This first-of-its-kind project in Kern County will permanently store carbon pollution underground for the first time in California’s history. These are the kind of climate solutions that spur the industries and infrastructure needed to power a cleaner future and create good-paying jobs right here in our communities.”
As part of the CTV I Community Benefits Plan, CRC committed over $1 million to support local communities across Kern County. Over the course of 2026, a Community Advisory Council composed of local stakeholders is planned to evaluate and respond to the region’s needs.
CTV I–26R, part of the Carbon TerraVault Joint Venture between CRC and Brookfield, is the first reservoir in California to receive final Class VI permits from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“Carbon capture, utilization, and storage is a critical piece of California’s climate solutions puzzle and an important tool we’re counting on to help achieve carbon neutrality,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. “Reaching our climate goals requires both reducing and sequestering emissions, and this milestone demonstrates how we’re moving every viable solution forward to get there.”
Beyond CTV I–26R, CRC has submitted eight additional CTV storage reservoirs for US EPA Class VI permitting, representing approximately 352 million tonnes of total potential CO2 storage capacity expected to be built around California.
“The first CO2 injection at CTV I marks an exciting milestone for carbon management in California,” said Craig Frenette, senior vice president at Brookfield. “It represents the start of a scalable new chapter for climate solutions, with significant opportunity for growth for CTV. We’re proud to be part of a project helping lay the foundation for long-term impact.”
Chris Gould, managing director of CTV, said the project made use of a known reservoir that stored hydrocarbons for millions of years. “First injection at CTV I is the result of years of dedication from our CTV team, capturing and permanently storing CO2 from our operations. It demonstrates our ability to safely deliver complex, first-of-its-kind projects that reduce CRC’s net operational emissions and lowering the carbon intensity of the power we deliver to Californians.”