National Bioenergy Day is an opportunity to learn about the role organic materials, including forest and wood residues, can play in producing energy.

The occasion also falls during National Forest Products Week, October 18-24, which recognizes the value of forest products and responsible forest stewardship. BREI recognizes the people who manage these resources and the potential for responsibly sourced forest and wood residues to support future energy development.

For Butte Renewable Energy Inc., the occasion connects with our long-term interest in biomass energy development in Oroville. Responsible development requires careful attention to feedstock sourcing, air quality, project economics, and community input.

We invite neighbors and project partners to learn more about bioenergy and its potential role in our region's energy future.

Explore the Department of Energy's Bioenergy Day resources.

At Butte Renewable Energy Inc. (BREI), we are developing renewable energy opportunities in Oroville, including solar, battery storage and planned biomass generation. South Oroville’s industrial history makes careful planning and environmental review essential to that work. [1]

Our goal is to support local energy needs through projects that make economic sense and meet environmental requirements. The history of the former Pacific Oroville Power Inc. (POPI) facility provides context for redevelopment in the area.

The former POPI facility

POPI stopped operating in 2012. Financial pressures were a documented part of the decision. California Public Utilities Commission records show that rising costs and falling revenues had already led the plant to seek better pricing under its existing power purchase agreement with PG&E. When the closure was announced, Covanta’s spokesperson said electricity revenues were insufficient to cover fuel and operating costs. [2] [3]

At the time, the plant manager also told a local newspaper that an environmental investigation contributed to the decision, alongside other factors. A later settlement required changes to ash testing and handling. Both the economic difficulties and the environmental enforcement are part of POPI’s history. [4] [5]

Our development approach

Our plans involve different technologies with different environmental considerations. Solar development, battery storage and a future biomass facility each need an appropriate review of their location, design and potential effects. Final project details remain subject to engineering, financing and applicable approvals. [1]

For the planned biomass facility, we plan to use forest residues from forest management and wildfire reduction work to produce electricity. Fuel quality, air pollution controls, ash handling and truck traffic are important considerations in evaluating the proposed facility. [1]

Land reuse also requires care. The solar proposal includes portions of the former Koppers Superfund site. Development on those properties must account for existing land-use restrictions, cleanup protections and regulatory oversight. [6] [7]

BREI’s focus is on practical energy development that supports Oroville’s long-term energy needs. Each phase must be financially feasible and address the environmental requirements that apply to its proposed use.

Sources and further reading

[1] BREI, current Project page and planning status

[2] CPUC Resolution E-4412, July 14, 2011, p. 4

[3] Chico News & Review, “POPI shuts down,” September 27, 2012

[4] Mary Weston, October 18, 2012 report, reproduced in City of Willows study, Appendix C-4, PDF pp. 18–20

[5] Covanta 2015 annual report, Note 18, California Matter, printed p. 108 (PDF p. 114); issuer report hosted by AnnualReports

[6] State Clearinghouse, proposed BREI Solar Farm, SCH 2025100155

[7] DTSC comments on the BREI solar environmental review, November 3, 2025