In the United States (US), bioenergy project developer West Biofuels, LLC has announced that it has secured US$4 million from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) Business and Workforce Development Grant Award to support the development of clean, renewable energy projects the company has been involved with as project developer and builder.
According to a statement, Hat Creek Bioenergy, LLC was awarded US$2 million for the Hat Creek Bioenergy Facility in Burney, CA, which is expected to be operational in the summer of 2024.
The funds will help transport woody biomass from forest restoration operations and demonstrate how subsidies can support restoration efforts and incentivize the creation of new bioenergy facilities in areas where feedstock supply exceeds demand.
West Biofuels is currently constructing this facility for Hat Creek Bioenergy.
Mariposa Bioenergy, LLC received US$2 million for a planned bioenergy facility in Mariposa, CA, also being constructed by West Biofuels.
The grant funding will help complete site grading, preparation of a feedstock area, installation of a fire prevention system, and the fabrication of bioenergy equipment.
The project will kickstart local and regional forest management practices and jobs markets and help the region develop a thriving and sustainable forest management industry that minimizes future catastrophic wildfire hazards, provides local jobs, and benefits underserved communities.
We’re honored that our partner facilities have received US$4 million in CAL FIRE grants to help generate new renewable energy sources for California communities. Our innovative Hat Creek and Mariposa projects demonstrate bioenergy’s pivotal role in supporting rural economic growth, increasing forest sustainability, and advancing California’s climate goals. By converting forest waste into clean power, we’re not just generating renewable energy – we’re transforming a once-discarded resource into a hopeful future for families, businesses, and the environment, said Kristen Decker, Chief Financial Officer of West Biofuels.
The bioenergy facilities in Burney and Mariposa are each expected to produce three megawatts of clean power by converting forest organic byproducts – once considered waste– into renewable electricity, heat, and biochar.
Specifically, the Hat Creek Bioenergy Facility is estimated to source approximately 30,000 bone-dry tons of forest waste per year.
We’re proud to partner with West Biofuels on projects that align with our mission to enhance forest management practices, mitigate wildfire risks, and foster community development. The funding awarded will not only facilitate the operationalization of these bioenergy facilities but also stimulate local and regional economies, generating employment opportunities and establishing a model for responsible forest management, said Justin Britton, Wood Products Operations Forester of CAL FIRE.
