The plant will use locally sourced forest residues—woody material left over from forest thinning, wildfire mitigation, and sustainable land management practices. By providing a market for these materials, BREI helps reduce hazardous fuel loads, decreasing wildfire risk and supporting healthier forests across Butte County.

Our projects turn local green waste into useful energy—minimizing landfill use and keeping energy dollars in Butte County.

Bottom ash and other byproducts are carefully managed in accordance with all state and federal regulations. These materials are regularly tested, stored securely, and, where possible, recycled or beneficially reused.

The biomass plant will use advanced thermal treatment technology with proven gasification and combustion systems, coupled with best-available emissions controls, including ceramic filtration and selective catalytic reduction (SCR). These measures ensure compliance with the strictest California Air Resources Board (CARB) and local air district standards, particularly for NOx and particulate emissions.

BREI’s work supports California’s ambitious climate goals by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and building a resilient community.

Biomass energy is considered part of California’s climate solution, as it recycles carbon already present in the ecosystem, rather than introducing new fossil carbon. By diverting green waste from open burning and landfill, the project reduces methane and other potent greenhouse gas emissions.

Clean energy from solar and biomass helps reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and supports energy independence for Oroville.

The facility is designed for efficient water use, utilizing closed-loop systems for steam generation and cooling. Process water is managed to minimize consumption and prevent contamination.

The BREI project directly supports California’s renewable energy and carbon reduction mandates, including SB 100 and the state’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.