CRC, Bloom Energy Explore Fuel Cell Carbon Capture
California Resources Corporation and Bloom Energy signed a non-binding memorandum to evaluate solid-oxide fuel cell power paired with carbon storage in California.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Energy
Live Poll
Would you support building more clean power in California even if it raises electricity costs?
California Resources Corporation signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Bloom Energy to evaluate at least 1 gigawatt of solid-oxide fuel cell power generation paired with carbon capture and storage in California. The projects remain subject to definitive documents, a final investment decision, and EPA Class VI permits and other regulatory approvals.
Why it matters
California Resources Corporation says California needs more clean, firm, reliable, and affordable power generated in state. The collaboration could also expand the storage business of its Carbon TerraVault unit for California-based carbon dioxide.
The figures are company targets from a non-binding agreement, with up to 3 million metric tons per annum of CO2 potentially available for storage and at least 1 gigawatt of fuel cell power under evaluation. Whether either project will proceed remains unresolved pending definitive documents, a final investment decision, and regulatory approvals.
The players
California Resources Corporation
California Resources Corporation is an oil and gas producer operating in California that is developing carbon management through its Carbon TerraVault business.
Bloom Energy
Bloom Energy is a company that manufactures solid-oxide fuel cell systems for stationary power generation.
The details
The companies will combine Bloom's fuel cell and third-party carbon capture technologies with Carbon TerraVault's CO2 transportation and storage capabilities. They will also identify potential power offtake customers, including utilities, community choice aggregators, municipalities, and data centers.
Timeline
November 2, 2026: Memorandum of understanding signed and announced.
Big Picture
The proposal pairs Bloom Energy's solid-oxide fuel cell systems with carbon capture and storage at a gigawatt scale in California, extending the use of fuel cells beyond standalone power generation. It places the technology alongside Carbon TerraVault's already operational CO2 injection project.
If the projects advance, California residents could see new in-state firm power sources and carbon storage capacity, though no timeline or cost has been announced. The memorandum itself does not change electricity supply or prices today.
The takeaway
A non-binding agreement is an early step, and the projects must still clear financing and permitting before any power or storage begins. Readers should watch for definitive documents, a final investment decision, and EPA Class VI permits.
Further reading
For related background, see Energy coverage on California's power and carbon storage efforts.
Live Poll
Would you support building more clean power in California even if it raises electricity costs?
