Plumas HHSC Biomass Project

Plumas Health and Human Services Center Biomass Energy Project

Welcome to the informational page on the Plumas Health and Human Services Center Biomass Project! Please contact the plant manager Danielle Berry at dberry@sierrainstitute.us with any questions.

 

Background

The Sierra Institute was awarded a $2.6 million EPIC grant from the California Energy Commission (CEC) in 2015 for design and construction of a biomass-fired heating system at Plumas County’s Health and Human Services Center (HHSC). This facility provides heat to the HHSC, and generates electricity through an Organic Rankine Cycle process to supplement the power needs of HHSC during the winter months. Wood chips derived from sustainable forest management activities within Plumas County fuel the boiler, and the entire system is housed within California’s first full cross laminated timber (CLT) building.

Now with two operating seasons successfully completed, Plumas County is a model for how rural, forested communities can advance utilization of locally-sourced biomass material to benefit both local economies and surrounding forestland.

More Information and Media Coverage

Presentation to the Plumas County Board of Supervisors, July 11 2017

Sierra Institute biomass heating project to break ground, Biomass Magazine, August 9 2017

Solving a Heat Load Hardship, Biomass Magazine, November/December 2017 Print Issue

Biomass boiler debuts April 6, Plumas News, March 18, 2018

Biomass project ribbon cutting draws a crowd, Plumas News, April 13, 2018

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Biomass project breaking ground
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

April 6, 2018

Thanks to all 60+ of you who joined us (despite the pouring rain) to celebrate this tremendous accomplishment for Plumas County!

Cross Laminated Timber Construction

December 2018