BREI
Butte Renewable Energy Inc.
News & Updates
Project milestones, community updates, and announcements.
Apr 6, 2026
Milestone, Project Update, Planning
BREI Advances Key Project Milestones with Independent Review and Interconnection Progress
Butte Renewable Energy Inc. (BREI) continues to advance its clean energy and economic development initiative in partnership with the City of Oroville, achieving several important milestones in early April.
Following a recent project coordination meeting, the City of Oroville confirmed it is moving forward with an independent, third‑party financial feasibility review to evaluate the structure and costs associated with a potential municipal public utility model serving local industrial customers. The review will be conducted by New Gen Strategies, a nationally recognized firm specializing in public power and utility finance. The study is intended to provide a clear, objective assessment to support informed decision‑making by City leadership and the community.
At the same time, progress has been reported on the project’s electrical interconnection, one of the most critical schedule drivers for large‑scale energy infrastructure projects. After escalation within PG&E, the required interconnection study has been moved forward in the utility’s review queue, with completion expected in the near term. This step is essential for confirming how locally generated power can be safely and reliably connected to the grid.
The project has also reached a strong position on permitting readiness. The required permits are technically complete and ready for issuance, pending payment of standard permit fees. This positions the project to move efficiently into construction once financing and final approvals are secured.
As part of ongoing planning, the BREI team and City staff are also coordinating on the timing of federal clean‑energy tax credits, including strategies to clearly document the start of construction when appropriate. This work is focused on ensuring compliance with federal requirements while maintaining transparency and fiscal responsibility.
“Taken together, these steps represent real forward movement,” said a BREI project representative. “Independent analysis, interconnection progress, and permit readiness are exactly the kinds of fundamentals that need to be in place for a project of this scale to move responsibly from planning toward execution.”
BREI will continue to work closely with City officials, technical partners, and the community as the independent feasibility review progresses and additional project milestones are reached. Updates will be shared as new information becomes available.
Feb 23, 2026
Environmental
Dioxin and Furans Site Assessment Completed
An independent environmental assessment evaluating dioxins and furans at the former POPI site has been completed. The investigation included soil sampling in areas historically associated with ash storage and other former industrial activities. The assessment determined that while some samples showed concentrations above screening levels used for initial site evaluation, all observed values were within or below the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) commercial and industrial soil remediation goals, and no additional investigation was recommended. This study represents an important step in the ongoing environmental due diligence process for the BREI project site.
Jan 15, 2026
Project Update
Phase 1 Development Continues
BREI continues advancing Phase 1 development of the S 7th Ave solar site. Permitting and interconnection work progresses following completion of environmental review in November 2025. The 16 MW solar installation on South 7th Avenue remains on track for 2027 commercial operation, providing low-cost daytime energy to Oro Verde industrial customers.
Nov 10, 2025
Environmental
BREI Solar Field Environmental Review Complete
The City of Oroville Community Development Department completed the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the BREI Solar Farm project.
The environmental review covers approximately 116 acres across three sites:
S 7th Ave Site: ~50 acres
Baggett Marysville Rd Site A: ~67 acres
Baggett Marysville Rd Site B: ~16 acres
The project incorporates mitigation measures addressing biological resources, hazardous materials, and stormwater management.
Nov 4, 2025
Milestone
Oroville City Council Establishes Oro Verde Municipal Utility
The City of Oroville City Council passed Resolution No. 9417, formally establishing Oro Verde as a municipally-owned electric utility to serve customers within the City. The resolution authorizes the City Administrator to take all necessary steps to create and establish the Municipal Utility, including identifying service areas, negotiating agreements, and recommending utility rates. The vote passed 5-1-1 with Council Members Reynolds, Johnstone, Webber, Vice Mayor Smith, and Mayor Pittman voting in favor.
Sep 15, 2025
Planning
Draft Environmental Review Published
The City of Oroville published the draft Initial Study for the BREI Solar Farm, opening a public comment period for community input on the proposed solar generation facilities.
The study evaluates potential environmental impacts across multiple resource areas including air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, and hazards associated with portions of the project located within the Koppers Superfund site.
Aug 28, 2025
In the News
Biomass plant renews cancer fears
The Enterprise-Record highlights renewed public concern over potential health risks linked to emissions from a biomass power plant in Northern California. Residents and environmental advocates are raising alarms about possible cancer risks, citing past health patterns and calling for updated testing and stricter oversight. While the facility asserts compliance with current regulations and emphasizes its role in renewable energy and wildfire mitigation, the controversy underscores a broader tension between clean energy initiatives and community health protections.
Aug 26, 2025
In the News
Oroville plans biomass plant to boost local energy independence, advance sustainability
Oroville, California is planning a biomass plant to enhance local energy independence and reduce wildfire risks by converting dead forest wood into clean energy using gasification technology. The facility will also serve as a lab and educational center, create hundreds of jobs, and potentially lower fire insurance costs. It’s expected to be operational by 2029 and will expand in phases based on community needs. Public input sessions are being held to engage residents in the planning process.
Aug 25, 2025
In the News
Oroville Biomass Community Input Meeting
Oroville is exploring the development of a biomass energy plant on South Fifth Avenue to convert organic waste into renewable power. City officials are seeking public input through a community meeting, emphasizing education and transparency. The project aims to reduce energy costs, create jobs, and mitigate wildfire risks by clearing dead vegetation. If approved, the plant could be operational by 2029.
Jul 3, 2025
In the News
Oroville City Council approves new power plant operated by Biomass Renewable Energy
Oroville’s City Council has approved a new power plant to be operated by Biomass Renewable Energy. The facility will generate clean energy from biomass materials, aiming to lower energy costs, create jobs, and support housing expansion.
Jul 1, 2025
In the News
Biomass Renewable Energy proposes facility for Oroville, California
According to a City Council agenda report, representatives of Biomass Renewable Energy Inc. (BREI) were slated to present their plan at the July 1 council meeting to build a new renewable energy facility in Oroville and eventually develop a local microgrid for homes and businesses.
Jul 1, 2025
In the News
Oroville hears plans for new microgrid utility for reliable local energy
Butte Renewable Energy has proposed a new biomass power plant in Oroville aimed at converting organic waste into renewable energy. Initially, the plant will supply power to industrial users and later expand to homes and businesses via a locally managed microgrid. Benefits include reduced energy costs, job creation, and more reliable infrastructure during PG&E power shutoffs. Officials also highlighted the agricultural and wildfire prevention advantages. However, environmental concerns persist about biomass combustion and its potential impact on air quality and forests.
Jul 1, 2025
Milestone
Oroville City Council Advances BREI Microgrid Project
At a July 1 Council meeting, the City of Oroville officially endorsed a partnership with Butte Renewable Energy Inc. (BREI) to develop a city-owned renewable microgrid utility. This initiative—combining solar, battery storage, and biomass generation—is designed to give Oroville control over its energy rates, improve resilience, and support economic growth into the future.
Jul 1, 2025
Announcement
BREI Solar Farm Project Application Filed
Butte Renewable Energy Inc. filed project applications with the City of Oroville for a utility-scale solar energy facility across three sites totaling approximately 116 acres.
The project will generate renewable energy for local businesses, residences, and potential future industrial facilities, supporting Oroville's vision for energy resiliency and local control.
Jun 30, 2024
In the News
Biomass company to present plan to Oroville City Council
Biomass Renewable Energy Inc. is set to present plans to the Oroville City Council for building a new facility that transforms regional organic waste into renewable energy. Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with future plans to expand into microgrid infrastructure serving homes and businesses. The city staff recommends continued collaboration, noting strong potential for positive economic and environmental impact.
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