On August 6, the Yuba Water Agency approved a $7 million grant and an $8.3 million low-interest loan to support the construction of a 5-megawatt biomass power plant near Dobbins, California. The plant is projected to be operational by 2026.
The facility will process woody material from forest restoration projects within the Yuba River watershed, contributing to improved forest health and a reduced risk of catastrophic wildfires. Currently, biomass from these projects is either transported to distant facilities or burned on site. The new plant will lower implementation costs for regional projects and stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and new business opportunities.
Yuba Water General Manager Willie Whittlesey emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “As we witness the devastation of the Park Fire in Butte County, we are reminded of the urgent need for such projects to enhance forest resilience.”
The land for the plant is owned by the Camptonville Community Partnership, which is nearing the completion of an interconnection and power purchase agreement with Pacific Gas & Electric. The partnership with Engeman Energy will oversee construction and operations, with a target to have the plant operational by 2026.
The facility, which has received previous support from the Yuba Water Agency, will feature a combined-heat-and-power (CHP) plant with a direct combustion boiler steam turbine generator. This setup will generate electricity for the plant’s operations and export power to the grid under the California BioMAT program. Additionally, the plant will provide steam, heating, and cooling services to nearby businesses, including a sawmill. Once fully operational, it is expected to process 38,000 bone dry tons of wood biomass annually.
