Developers pitch large biomass-and e‑methanol project at Oroville’s former Popeye site, estimate hundreds of jobs

Representatives for a joint venture called Butte Renewable Energy introduced a multi‑stage plan Jan. 30 to redevelop the former Popeye biomass site in Oroville, rebuild a modern biomass plant, capture CO2, and produce e‑methanol — a shipping fuel the presenters described as a low‑emission commercial product for decarbonizing maritime transport.

Michael Spencer, who identified himself as a representative of Brie Butte Renewable Energy Inc., said the project would combine forest‑management feedstock from surrounding forests, local agricultural residues and urban wood waste to supply a new biomass plant at the old industrial site. He said the developer plans a phased project: a new low‑emission biomass plant to process local biomass and a later phase to add carbon capture and “power‑to‑X” technology to make e‑methanol and other fuels.

“...we are here today to reignite the opportunity to rebuild, redevelop, recommission all of the existing biomass plants in the area,” Spencer said, describing the proposal as a way to address forest fuel piles while producing an exportable, low‑carbon product.

Why it matters: The project would address two local priorities the council has discussed — forest fuel reduction to reduce wildfire…