Overview
Ameresco Butte County is a 2.3 MW biomass power plant in California, USA, converting waste into energy. It operates under US EPA regulations for renewable energy facilities.
Ameresco Butte County is a biomass power plant located in Butte County, California, United States. With a capacity of 2.3 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the US power generation sector, focusing on renewable energy from waste materials. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and applicable state-level emissions standards for biomass combustion. Biomass power plants like this one typically use technologies such as fluidized bed or stoker boilers to convert waste into electricity, with emissions controls for particulate matter and other pollutants. As a waste-to-energy facility, Ameresco Butte County contributes to local waste management and renewable energy generation. Its small capacity serves the local grid, supporting community energy needs while reducing landfill waste. The plant's operational status underscores its role in California's renewable energy portfolio.
Environmental context
The plant's use of waste as fuel reduces methane emissions from landfills and displaces fossil fuel-based power. However, biomass combustion releases CO2, particulate matter, and other pollutants, requiring compliance with EPA emissions standards. Its location in Butte County, a region with agricultural and urban areas, necessitates careful management of air quality impacts, particularly for nearby communities.
Frequently asked questions
Ameresco Butte County is located in Butte County, California, United States, at coordinates 39.674000, -121.730000.
Ameresco Butte County is a biomass power plant that converts waste materials into electricity, with a capacity of 2.3 MW.
The plant is owned by Ameresco Butte County LLC, a subsidiary of Ameresco, a leading energy efficiency and renewable energy company.
Biomass power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA), including emissions standards for particulate matter, SO2, NOx, and CO. State-level regulations may also apply.
Biomass power generation reduces landfill waste and methane emissions but produces CO2 and other pollutants. Modern facilities use emissions controls to minimize environmental impact.