California Resources Corporation and its carbon management subsidiary, Carbon TerraVault (CTV), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with National Cement Company of California Inc. to support the development of “Lebec Net Zero,” a pioneering initiative to produce carbon-neutral cement in California.
Under the agreement, CTV will develop transportation and sequestration solutions for up to 1 million metric tonnes per year of carbon dioxide (CO₂) captured from National Cement’s facility in Lebec, Kern County. The captured emissions will be safely transported and permanently stored in CTV’s underground storage reservoirs, contributing to California’s industrial decarbonisation efforts.
The Lebec Net Zero project aims to become California’s first net-zero cement facility, integrating carbon capture technology, using locally sourced biomass fuel from agricultural byproducts, and producing limestone calcined clay cement (LC3). The initiative aligns with Kern County’s Carbon Management vision, supporting economic growth, job creation, and local tax benefits.
The project is among 33 initiatives selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for funding under the Industrial Demonstrations Program, with the DOE committing up to $500 million in matching funds to accelerate its development. Pending regulatory approvals, operations are expected to begin by 2031.
Francisco Leon, President and CEO of CRC, described the partnership as a major step in industrial decarbonisation, “This MOU underscores the growing demand for innovative decarbonisation solutions in California’s industrial sector. Achieving carbon neutrality in cement production requires bold action, and this project will establish the state’s first carbon capture, transport, and storage initiative for this essential industry.”
Eric Holard, CEO of National Cement, highlighted the transformative nature of the initiative, “This project represents a significant investment in innovation and sustainability for domestic manufacturing. With CTV’s expertise in safe and responsible carbon management, we have a clear pathway to success.”
