Colorado School of Mines and Carbon TerraVault Secure $8.9 Million for CarbonSAFE Project

In a significant move towards carbon neutrality, Colorado School of Mines (Mines) and Carbon TerraVault Holdings, LLC (CTV), a subsidiary of California Resources Corporation (CRC), have been awarded $8.9 million by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

This funding will support a Carbon Storage Assurance Facility Enterprise (CarbonSAFE) project, aimed at advancing carbon capture and storage efforts in California.

The awarded grant will enable Mines, CTV, and key industry partners like Blade Energy Partners and Providence Strategic Consulting to conduct an in-depth feasibility study for the CTV III CO2 Storage Project.

This project is designed to store an estimated 71 million metric tons (MT) of carbon emissions underground in San Joaquin County, California.

"Sequestering CO2 into the deep subsurface versus releasing it all into the atmosphere is a long-term solution to sustainable human development," said Ali Tura, professor of Geophysics and Co-director of the Reservoir Characterization Project at Mines. This project represents a key step towards ensuring that California meets its ambitious carbon reduction goals.

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What is the CarbonSAFE Initiative?

The CarbonSAFE Initiative, which was launched by the DOE in 2016, focuses on speeding up the deployment of large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects.

The initiative specifically aims to fill in gaps in the commercial implementation of CCS technologies, which are critical to the state’s carbon-neutrality goals.

Under the CarbonSAFE program, various project phases, including site characterization, permitting, and injection construction, are analyzed to ensure the effectiveness of CCS projects.

This grant aligns with the California Air Resources Board’s Scoping Plan, which targets the removal and capture of 20 million MT of CO2 by 2030 and 100 million MT by 2045.

The CTV III CO2 Storage Project is expected to play a crucial role in helping the state meet these targets. "Our teams will work together to bring these projects to life to effectively reduce CO2 emissions and deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits," said Francisco Leon, CRC’s President and Chief Executive Officer.

Impact on the Community

One standout feature of the CTV III CO2 Storage Project is its Community Benefits Plan.

This initiative is designed to invest in local communities by expanding programs and partnerships with labor organizations, academic institutions, and community groups.

These efforts will provide long-lasting transformative benefits to the region, ensuring that the local workforce is equipped to participate in the clean energy economy.

The grant funding for the project is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), a broader legislative effort to support infrastructure upgrades and climate initiatives across the country.

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Long-Term Vision for Carbon Storage

The CTV III project is set to run through August 2026, with a total project value of over $11 million. Colorado School of Mines will play a pivotal role in conducting studies and providing scientific guidance throughout the project.

Their expertise in applied science and engineering is crucial to the successful development of a sustainable carbon storage system.

Ali Tura emphasized the long-term benefits of such a project, stating that "this project will evaluate a deep saline reservoir for greenhouse waste gas CO2 disposal".

Meanwhile, Carbon TerraVault Holdings is leading the development of the storage infrastructure.

The company is currently working on several CCS projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions from industrial sources by injecting CO2 into deep underground reservoirs.

These projects will serve as an essential component of the overall carbon management strategy for the state of California.

The Broader Significance of the Project

California has long been a leader in climate action, and the CTV III CO2 Storage Project represents a new chapter in the state's push toward carbon neutrality.

The partnership between Mines, CTV, and CRC showcases the powerful potential of collaboration between academic institutions and private industry in tackling the climate crisis.

Moreover, the project aligns with broader federal goals under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the DOE’s efforts to combat climate change.

By advancing CCS technology, the initiative not only reduces CO2 emissions but also paves the way for more widespread adoption of carbon capture as a viable solution to climate issues.

The knowledge gained from this project will contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Why Carbon Capture Matters

Carbon capture and storage is increasingly seen as a critical tool for combating climate change. By preventing CO2 from entering the atmosphere, these technologies provide a way to slow global warming while supporting continued industrial activities.

"Sequestering CO2 is not only about managing today’s emissions but also ensuring a sustainable future," added Ali Tura, highlighting the importance of long-term thinking in developing solutions to the climate crisis.

The partnership between Colorado School of Mines and Carbon TerraVault Holdings is just one example of how academic institutions and private companies can work together to develop innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

By leveraging scientific expertise, advanced technology, and financial backing from the federal government, this project holds the potential to make a significant impact in reducing carbon emissions in California and beyond.

An Innovative Approach to Climate Change

The CTV III CO2 Storage Project is a shining example of the innovative approaches being taken to address climate change.

With the financial support of the U.S. Department of Energy and the collaboration of top-tier institutions like Colorado School of Mines and Carbon TerraVault Holdings, this project is set to play a pivotal role in advancing carbon capture technology.

As the world grapples with the challenges of global warming, initiatives like this one offer a tangible path forward, providing both environmental and economic benefits for future generations.

The knowledge gained from this project could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives around the world, marking a major step in the fight against climate change.

By August 2026, the results from this initiative will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of deep subsurface CO2 storage, helping shape the future of carbon capture and storage technologies for years to come.