BKV’s High West Project Brings Energy and Opportunities
Who is BKV?
BKV Corporation (BKV) is one of the leading natural gas producers in the U.S. and a company deeply committed to safety, accountability and long-term partnerships with the communities where we operate. With over 600 combined years of midstream and subsurface technical expertise, BKV is expanding its carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) operations into Louisiana. This technology helps ensure local industries can continue to grow while meeting modern energy demands.
What is High West?
High West Sequestration LLC (High West), a subsidiary of BKV’s dCarbon Ventures, is developing a CCS project located in St. Charles Parish and partially in Jefferson Parish. The project is expected to help retain and create jobs, generate up to $1.5 billion in direct tax revenue over its lifetime and support local services and economic development.
BKV’s High West Sequestration Site is designed to store carbon dioxide (CO₂) deep underground within a 20,000-acre area leased from the State of Louisiana. The project aims to support existing industrial operations, attract new business to the region, all while delivering long-term economic growth and employment opportunities.
BKV’s primary partner on this project is NuQuest Energy, a local company that brings strong regional knowledge, relationships and support. Together, BKV and NuQuest are focused on boosting economic opportunity and supporting workforce development across the area.
Why Louisiana?
Louisiana’s geography is uniquely beneficial to the sequestration process. The state’s deep oil and gas history and extensive pipeline system make Louisiana a prime option for carbon sequestration.
BKV is evaluating more than 20,000 acres for this sequestration site in a region with a high concentration of CO₂ emissions, supporting continued carbon sequestration efforts informed by decades of experience.
- It does not have old oil and gas wells where the CO₂ will be stored.
- It has the right kind of underground rock layers to safely hold the CO₂, with thick layers above to permanently trap the CO₂.
- It is relatively close to an existing CO₂ pipeline.
- There is a highly trained, skilled workforce ready to build and operate CCS systems.
The High West Sequestration Site is strategically placed to serve the surrounding industrial corridor. As global markets increasingly prioritize lower-carbon products, the project is expected to help maintain the region’s competitive advantage and sustain Louisiana’s industrial base.
What is Carbon Capture?
CCS is the process of capturing CO₂ released through industrial operations and permanently sequestering carbon dioxide, reducing excess CO₂ in the atmosphere.
Our process will involve capturing CO₂ before it is released into the atmosphere, then compressing and transporting it to sites where it can be injected into underground injection control (“UIC”) wells.
The same rock formations that have safely held crude oil and gas for millions of years can store CO₂. It is stored in impermeable rock layers that prevent the upward movement of CO₂ to the atmosphere.
BKV brings a strong safety record to the High West project, grounded in its current operation of a CCS well in Northeast Texas and in the application of those proven practices in Louisiana. At the wellhead, we implement fenceline monitoring and use tracers on all injected CO₂, enabling continuous identification and tracking of the injected CO₂.
In the event of a hurricane or other emergency, CO₂ injection operations can be shut down immediately. As with all industrial projects in Louisiana, High West will also maintain state-required safety and response plans developed in coordination with parish emergency officials.
If the project receives state approval, it will be continuously monitored using federal- and state-approved technologies and will operate under the oversight of the Louisiana Department of Conservation.
The project has the potential to generate up to $1.5 billion in tax revenue for the state of Louisiana at maximum storage capacity, while also helping secure hundreds of existing, well-paying jobs in the region by enabling local companies to meet their low-carbon targets. With a location well-suited to serve the industrial corridor, the project supports Louisiana businesses in remaining competitive and positions the state to benefit from future investment.
Our top priority is being a good neighbor, and from day one, the company has engaged local leaders and community members to help ensure the project aligns with the needs and values of St. Charles Parish and Jefferson Parish. In keeping with this commitment, we believe in supporting the communities where it operates and has already begun working with St. Charles Parish schools to support students and families.