Q1 2023 - Issue 1

Department of Energy Announces the Selection of the California DAC Hub Consortium

The Kern Community College District (KernCCD) is pleased to be a leader and integral partner of the CalHub Consortium, a project of Carbon TerraVault Holdings, LLC (CTV), a subsidiary of California Resources Corporation (NYSE: CRC). KernCCD has been a leading partner of the CalHub consortium since the group’s inception in the Summer of 2022, following the establishment of the CRC Carbon Management Institute as a Center of Excellence for the California Renewable Energy Laboratory (CREL).

The California Direct Air Capture (DAC) Hub has been selected for funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under its Regional DAC Hubs Initiative related to the proposed development of California’s first full-scale DAC plus storage (DAC+S) network of regional hubs. DAC+S is a solution that is intended to remove and then permanently store atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) using low carbon emission energy and provide economic benefits to surrounding communities. This first DOE award will be used to perform Front End Engineering Design (FEED) studies in 2024 on the proposed DAC facilities in Kern County, followed up with additional funding requests and planned development and construction potentially beginning in 2025. Read More

CREL at B3K Prosperity X CA FWD Regional Energy Listening Session

The California Renewable Energy Laboratory (CREL) participated in the B3K Prosperity and California Forward Summit on August, 10th. We had our very own Sr. Advisor to the Chancellor, Liz Rozell along with VP of Carbon and Commercial Development at Cornerstone Engineering, Eric Dhanens, and Director of Carbon Solutions at CRC, Jon Klein sit on a panel to discuss the opportunities in carbon management within the renewable energy field.

The goal of this panel was to identify the developments each institution was leading, what obstacles were in the way of development, and express the resources that are needed to complete their goals. Liz Rozell touched on the need to educate our community on the practice of renewable energy and how to operate new technologies as we make the transition to an electrified future.

Many of the concerns that were brought up by all fronts was the fear of the shortage on active personnel to supervise these new technologies. Although strides are being made in the realm of Carbon Management, all 3 panelists expressed concerns of the shortage workforce and that it is crucial that workers who are pivoting into this industry, are educated and prepared in this sector. Learn More

CREL at the Bakersfield College New Student Convocation

On August 15th Bakersfield College held their New Student Convocation inviting new students and families to check out all of the resources provided as well as new student internship opportunities.

CREL was one of the many booths interacting with students and asking them about their knowledge of renewable energy. We were showcasing to students our internship opportunities as well as our Energy Science B22 course that provides a comprehensive introduction to the scientific principles governing energy sources, uses, and systems.

Thank you to all the students that attended our booth and we hope to see again soon!

AWE Education Series: Revitalizing the Earth

The Valley Strong Energy Institute's next webinar in the Agriculture/Water/Energy series will focus on Regenerative Farming. Featured speakers will discuss Regenerative Farming and how it relates to the overall goal of meeting the net zero goals, the pros and cons of regenerative farming and student internships and employment opportunities.

The AWE Webinar Series is hosted by the Valley Strong Energy Institute, which brings together technical experts, industry leaders and policy makers to develop community education around issues and emerging technologies that affect energy and other natural resources in Kern.

Join us September 12, at 3pm to listen from the experts at:

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
Burroughs Family Farms
California Renewable Energy Laboratory (CREL)

To participate in the AWE webinar, sign up via the registration link. Visit the Valley Strong Energy Institute website for more information about the AWE Education Series and view videos from past webinars.

Bakersfield College Student Involvement Festival

The Student Involvement Festival is the largest event during the BC Welcome Week Programming, which encouraged students to learn about the campus and become engaged and active members of Bakersfield College and the Bakersfield community.

CREL was in attendance helping students and community members learn about our energy courses and highlight our upcoming webinar above. We look forward to future events and your attendance at the webinar!

CREL's 1 Year Anniversary

The California Renewable Energy Laboratory is celebrating its one year anniversary! Join us as we celebrate all that CREL has accomplished in its first year and hear the exciting plans we have for the future! More details to follow.

Upcoming Events

September 12 | 3pm | Webinar | Revitalizing the Earth: Exploring Bakersfield College's Agrivoltaics Project and Regenerative Farming's Impact on Net Zero Targets

September 14 | 5-7pm | District Office | Final Dolores Huerta Foundation/Building Healthy Communities Workshop

September 19 | 10:30am | Delano Campus | Delano Campus Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

October 5 | 12:30-1:30pm | Levan Center | CREL 1 Year Anniversary

October 17-20 | 9am-4:30pm | CCCAOE Fall 2023 Conference | Register

November 1 | 8:30am | UC Davis | California Germany Agrivoltaics Conference | Register

November 14 | 10am | Delano Campus | Delano Regenerative Farm Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

November 15 | 7:30am-12pm | Bakersfield Marriott | Kern County Energy Summit

In the news

US Energy Department Awards $20M to Jumpstart Carbon Capture Projects in Kern County

The Department of Energy last week awarded nearly $20 million to carbon capture projects in Kern County as local officials aim to turn the southern San Joaquin Valley into a hub for the burgeoning industry. The funding, announced on Friday, will help plan three projects near Taft – in the heart of California’s oil country.

KVPR

Carbon TerraVault's CA DAC Hub Consortium Selected for U.S DOE Funding

Carbon TerraVault Holdings, LLC (CTV), a subsidiary of California Resources Corporation , today announced that the California Direct Air Capture (DAC) Hub has been selected to receive $11.8 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under its Regional DAC Hubs Initiative related to the proposed development of California’s first full-scale DAC plus storage (DAC+S) network of regional hubs.

Business Wire

Kern County In Depth: Bringing carbon capture technologies to Kern County

The scientific consensus is: In order to avoid the irreversible effects of climate change, a collective and concerted global effort must be made to reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions in our atmosphere. Now, there are efforts to have Kern County become a hub in California for carbon capture technology.

KGET-17

Meet the CREL Team

We look forward to working with you on energy projects to move Kern County and the region forward!