Hat Creek Bioenergy Facility in California Converts Forest Biomass into Local Electricity
The Hat Creek Bioenergy Facility in Burney, California, began commercial operations in June, converting forest biomass into electricity for the local grid. The facility, strategically located near rural communities at risk of wildfires, celebrated its ribbon-cutting on November 10.
It processes excess biomass from surrounding national forests, transforming branches and small trees into woodchips, which are then used as feedstock for energy production. The facility operates continuously, converting 3 to 4 dry tons of woodchips per hour into approximately three megawatts of power, sufficient for the town of Burney.
In addition to generating electricity, the facility produces biochar, a valuable soil amendment, creating a new revenue stream. It supports local economies, providing 15 full-time jobs and assisting in forest health and wildfire mitigation efforts by managing about five square miles of forest annually.
