Chevron is partnering with Microsoft, oilfield services firm Schlumberger, and privately held Clean Energy Systems to build a carbon capture plant in California, as the US oil major expands investments in renewable technology.
Fossil fuel companies have faced increased pressure in recent years to reduce emissions, spend more on low-carbon energy, and disclose the impact their production has on climate change.
Chevron said on 4 March that the plant, located in the city of Mendota, will convert agricultural biomass to electricity and almost all the carbon captured in the conversion of agricultural waste would be stored underground.
The venture adds weight to plans outlined by California’s Air Resources Control Board last month to start phasing out all agricultural waste burning in the valley by 2025.