Carbon TerraVault, National Cement sign MOU for net zero cement facility

California Resources (CRC) Carbon TerraVault announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with National Cement Company of California to provide carbon management services for the “Lebec Net Zero” – a first-of-its-kind initiative to produce carbon-neutral cement at National Cement’s facility in California. MOU Highlights: CTV plans to develop transportation and sequestration solutions for up to 1 million metric tons per annum of carbon dioxide emissions captured from National Cement’s plant in Lebec, Kern County, California. Captured CO2 is expected to be safely transported and securely stored in CTV’s underground storage reservoirs, contributing to California’s industrial decarbonization efforts. “Lebec Net Zero” Highlights: The project is expected to be California’s first net-zero cement facility, integrating carbon capture technology, utilizing locally sourced biomass fuel from agricultural byproducts, and producing limestone calcined clay cement. This effort aligns with Kern County’s Carbon Management vision, promoting economic growth, job creation, and tax benefits for local communities. The project was one of 33 selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for funding under the Industrial Demonstrations Program as a public-private partnership, with the DOE committing up to $500 million in matching funds to accelerate its development. Pending customary approvals, operations are expected to start in 2031.