• BREI (Butte Renewable Energy Inc.) is developing a hybrid renewable energy project in Oroville, California. It includes a state-of-the-art biomass power plant, multiple solar arrays with battery storage, and a planned community microgrid to deliver clean, affordable energy to Oroville’s residents, businesses, and public services.

The facility will use advanced thermal treatment and emissions control technologies to limit pollutants including:

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• Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) via Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)

• Particulate Matter through ceramic filtration

• Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂), Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) neutralized with lime injection

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) via high-efficiency combustion and flue gas cleaning

Real-time emissions data will be tracked using a Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) to ensure compliance with California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards.

A Health Risk Assessment (HRA) is a regulatory requirement in California to evaluate potential health effects—such as cancer or respiratory risk—associated with a facility’s emissions. BREI’s project will undergo a rigorous HRA and be designed to:

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• Stay well below health-based risk thresholds

• Use Best Available Control Technology (BACT)

• Continuously monitor emissions for full transparency and regulatory compliance

​BREI is working in close partnership with the City of Oroville to design and build a local renewable energy microgrid that will serve Oroville’s residents, businesses, and public infrastructure. Unlike a traditional utility connection, a microgrid provides localized, more affordable, and more resilient power.

BREI is building a phased microgrid in partnership with the City of Oroville:

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• Phase 1: 48 MW solar farm + battery storage (in progress)

• Phase 2: 10 MW biomass plant (under permitting)

• Phase 3: Future green fuel production (e-methanol/hydrogen)

This microgrid will supply stable, low-cost, renewable energy directly to local customers and help Oroville reduce its dependence on PG&E, whose peak-time rates exceed $400/MWh.

The project is funded through a joint venture between Albion Energy LLC and Butte Renewable Energy Inc., with additional support from EPC partners and clean energy investors. The project also benefits from key federal incentives, including the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and eligibility for carbon credits and renewable energy certificates (RECs)—making it both economically viable and environmentally forward-thinking.​

• Why is BREI using battery storage systems?
  Battery storage systems ensure a stable, reliable supply of electricity, supporting the local microgrid by providing power during non-solar production hours and peak demand times.

• What is a microgrid, and how will it benefit Oroville?
  A microgrid is a localized energy grid that operates independently or in conjunction with the main power grid. BREI’s microgrid enhances local energy security, resilience, and economic stability by supplying continuous power to Oroville.

The project is expected to generate:

• Hundreds of construction jobs during solar and biomass facility build-out

• Long-term local employment in operations, maintenance, logistics, and energy management

• Workforce training opportunities in partnership with Butte Community College

Biomass fuel deliveries will average 20–30 trucks per day, primarily during weekday hours. The site design includes dedicated access and noise buffers to minimize community impact. Solar sites have no daily deliveries once constructed.​

The plant will use forest residues such as fire-damaged wood, thinnings, and agricultural byproducts. These materials are typically left to decay, burned in the open, or dumped—posing wildfire and methane risks. BREI's facility provides a clean, controlled alternative.​

Yes. The new BREI biomass plant will be constructed at 3050 S. 5th Avenue, the site formerly occupied by Pacific Oroville Power Inc. (POPI). The new project replaces outdated equipment with modern, clean energy systems and emissions controls.​

BREI’s solar design avoids capped/restricted zones, uses no-pile racking to prevent digging, preserves drainage, and follows EPA/DTSC oversight. These safeguards keep the cleanup remedy protective while delivering renewable power to Oroville.​

• Attend public meetings hosted by BREI and the City of Oroville

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