The Pine Hills Storage Hub in southern Covington County will be Alabama’s flagship carbon storage facility. It will safely store millions of tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) deep underground. The storage is thousands of feet below the water table and under multiple layers of natural protective rock – greater than 3,000 feet.

Above ground, working forestland will remain in use for timber, recreation, and hunting. Injection well and monitoring well pad sites are only a few acres in size and will be scattered across the vast project area. The productive forests, farmland, or recreational lands will continue with minimal surface footprint from carbon storage operations.

CO₂ from power plants and other industries is captured before it’s released into the atmosphere. It is compressed into a liquid-like form and transported through an underground pipeline to the Pine Hills storage facility.

The CO₂ is injected over 3,000 feet below the surface into deep porous rock formations, far below drinking water sources. Thick, natural rock layers (“caprock”) seal the CO₂ in place. Pine Hills is ideal for CO₂ storage because it has two thick layers of caprock.

The site will be monitored 24/7 and regulated by federal and state agencies.  Monitoring is required throughout injection and for many years post-injection.

Energy demand is soaring and fossil fuels (coal and natural gas) will remain part of our realistic energy mix for years to come. CCS helps American industry and people to continue to utilize fossil fuels for power while reducing the environmental impact.

Industrial plants such as pulp/paper mills, lime/cement manufacturers and steel producers create CO₂ in their production process as they burn fossil fuels for their manufacturing process.  With manufacturing and industry coming back to the United States, we need CCS to grow as a country in a responsible way.

Jobs: The Pine Hills Hub will create many local jobs during construction and maintain local jobs during long-term operation.

Economic Growth: Industrial companies are looking for areas with existing infrastructure that allows them to easily decarbonize their process.  With the Pine Hills Hub, Covington County and the surrounding region become very attractive for new industrial sites bringing long-term jobs and economic growth.

Local Fund and Improvements: Reliant is committed to Covington County’s continued success. The company pledges to set up a Community Benefit Fund that will economically benefit the county and its cities. Reliant further commits to financially support local emergency personnel infrastructure and training.

Energy Leadership: Alabama and Covington County will be home to one of the most advanced CCS projects in the nation creating long-term energy security and prosperity.

Reliant will work with community leaders and stakeholders to optimize its process and impact.

Reliant is committed to transparency and community involvement. The company will hold community meetings so residents can ask questions, share feedback, and learn about the benefits as well as the process and safety behind this project.

Rayonier, Inc. is a large timberland management firm that has its Alabama headquarters in Andalusia.  Rayonier and Reliant entered an agreement to allow for carbon storage under Rayonier’s working forestlands in Covington County. Rayonier is working alongside Reliant to ensure the community is heard and is a part of this project.

Reliant wants this project to be a win for Covington County.

The Pine Hills Storage Hub will operate under the oversite of both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Alabama Oil and Gas Board.  These agencies are currently involved in the application process and will continue oversight through injection and long-term monitoring.

Yes! Geologic injection of CO₂ has been done safely for decades in the U.S. and other countries utilizing CO₂ for enhanced oil recovery and underground storage.

The geology of the Pine Hills site is ideal to keep CO₂ locked deep underground sealed by layers of natural impermeable rock.  The CO₂ in storage is under pressure and has a slurry-like consistency. It moves slowly and is easily monitored.  This monitoring is 24/7 throughout injection and for decades after injection.

The Pine Hills Hub will receive a UIC Class VI permit, the EPA’s highest level of regulatory oversight and monitoring. Only CCS projects that undoubtedly protect underground sources of drinking water can achieve a Class VI permit.

Local emergency personnel will be trained and equipped in proper management and mitigation regarding carbon storage operations.

Safeguards include:
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Site Characterization: 3-D geological modeling and seismic risk analysis to confirm safety.
Well Design: Multiple high quality steel and cement casings to protect groundwater.
Continuous Monitoring: Pressure, flow, and geologic data tracked 24/7.
Emergency Response Plan: Pre-approved measures for immediate response.
Post-Injection Care: Long-term monitoring for decades after CO₂ injection.

Reliant entered into an easement agreement with Rayonier, Inc., a timberland management firm, in November 2024 on approximately 74,000 acres of working forestland in southern Covington County.

Rayonier’s land holdings are utilized for sustainable forestry practices, hunting and other recreational activities.

Above ground, the land will remain undisturbed other than the locations of carefully sited injection wells and monitoring wells. Rayonier is committed to maintaining these lands as productive forests and hunting clubs.

Geology: The site features two thick, continuous natural rock layers (“caprock”) that naturally seal in the injected CO₂ and prevent upward movement. The geology enables the CO₂ to be safely stored more than half a mile down in the ground, well below the water table.

‍Independent Validation: Advanced Resources International (ARI), a national leader in CCS, conducted geological modeling and confirmed the site’s suitability. Dr. Andrew Duguid, Vice President at ARI, said, “The geology at the site is ideal for efficient, safe and permanent CO₂ storage.”

‍Land Availability: Reliant secured rights to approximately 74,000 acres of working forestland, ensuring ample, safe storage space without disrupting local land uses.

No operations will begin until all Class VI permit requirements are complete and the community has had an opportunity to learn more and ask questions.