A historic milestone for California as California Resources Corporation (CRC) marks the first injection of CO₂ at Carbon TerraVault I (CTV I) at Elk Hills, launching the state’s first carbon capture and storage (CCS) project.

The start of injections marks the transition of the project from development into active operation, positioning it as an early commercial-scale demonstration of CO₂ storage in the state and a reference point for future CCS development.

Now officially operational, CTV I represents a significant step forward for CCS deployment in California, advancing infrastructure intended to permanently store carbon dioxide in underground geological formations.

CTV I consists of two depleted oil and natural gas reservoirs, “26R” and “A1-A2.” At full capacity, the CTV I–26R reservoir is expected to store up to 1.46 million metric tons of CO₂ per year, equivalent to removing nearly 350,000 cars from the road annually, with a total storage potential of around 38 million metric tons.

CRC President and CEO Francisco Leon said the first injection demonstrates California’s ability to advance scalable climate solutions. “First injection at CTV I demonstrates that California can lead on climate solutions that are practical, scalable and cost-effective. 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.”

Chris Gould, Managing Director of CTV, said the project builds on long-term subsurface expertise. “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 lower the carbon intensity of the power we deliver to Californians.”

As part of the CTV I Community Benefits Plan, CRC has committed more than $1 million to support local communities in Kern County. A Community Advisory Council made up of local stakeholders is expected to help guide engagement and respond to regional needs over the course of 2026.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said the project reflects the state’s broader climate strategy. “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. This first-of-its-kind project in Kern County will permanently store carbon pollution underground for the first time in California’s history.”

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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Beyond CTV I–26R, CRC has submitted eight additional storage reservoirs for EPA Class VI permitting, representing approximately 352 million metric tons of potential CO₂ storage capacity across future developments in California.