OROVILLE, Calif. — Oroville City Councilors received a presentation about a plan to create a biomass energy facility in the city in the most recent city council meeting.

Biomass Renewable Energy Inc. has developed a plan to partner with the city to create a local microgrid utility.

Phase one of the project entails constructing a biomass plant that will serve nearby industrial customers by collecting organic waste from the Northstate and converting it into renewable energy. The goal is to eventually expand the program to include residents and commercial areas in the future.

“Oroville can be an example of how to deal with secure employment, control of its own future, and the environmental challenges of global warming. With the ability to grow as Oroville wants to expand its aspirations in this energy sector, we’re here to grow with you. Oroville will be a shining example for other regions to follow,” said Michael Spencer and Ben Tolbert, Representatives with Biomass Renewable Energy Inc. to the city council.

The plan would reduce energy costs, enhance resilience against outages, create job opportunities, and promote economic development, according to the company.

The city council has decided to move forward with the project while ensuring effective communication with residents to address their opinions and potential concerns.