California Resources, Bloom Evaluate Potential 1 GW-Plus Fuel-Cell Development

California Resources Corporation, its carbon-management business Carbon TerraVault and Bloom Energy signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding Nov. 2 to evaluate California projects that could develop at least 1 gigawatt of solid-oxide fuel-cell power alongside carbon capture and storage.

The evaluation covers potential grid-connected and on-site projects in Central and Northern California. The 1 GW-plus figure is a target for assessing potential development, not committed generating capacity. The companies have not named a buyer, project site, cost or construction schedule.

Projects under consideration could make up to 3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year available for capture and permanent storage. That figure describes potential emissions available for capture, not a confirmed amount that will be captured. Utilities, community choice aggregators, municipalities, data centers and other industrial users are among the possible customers for the electricity.

The proposed setup would combine Bloom’s solid-oxide fuel cells with carbon-capture technology from a third party. Carbon TerraVault would provide carbon dioxide transportation and permanent storage, while California Resources would contribute project-management expertise. No carbon-capture provider has been identified.

Carbon TerraVault’s CTV I project was injecting and permanently storing carbon dioxide from California Resources’ Elk Hills Cryogenic Gas Plant during the third quarter.

The MOU does not commit the companies to build projects. Potential development would require definitive agreements, final investment decisions, Class VI permits from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory approvals.

California Resources President and CEO Francisco Leon said, “California needs more clean, firm, reliable, and affordable power.” Bloom Energy Chief Commercial Officer Aman Joshi said the company’s non-combustion technology “makes carbon capture more efficient.”