Construction of North Fork Bioenergy Facility and Research on Forest Biomass Utilization (EPIC)

Start Date: 05/01/2015                

Finish Date: 03/31/2026

 

Partner: The Watershed Research and Training Center, North Fork Community Power

 

Funder: California Energy Commission EPIC grant

 

Purpose: This project will fund the construction of a 1 MW combined heat and power gasification facility in the town of North Fork and then will fund subsequent research by UC Merced into gasification technology and the utilization of forest biomass for bioenergy.

 

Current Activity: Construction is underway. We reestablished a connection with the Watershed Research and Training Center (WRTC). The North Power Company is now the project lead, with Wade Wheeler taking the helm.

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Update 4/24/24: The watershed center was awarded a project extension. PG&E has connected to the plant, so they can continue to move forward with construction.

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Update 10/29/24: This project will fund the construction of a 2-MW combined heat and power gasification facility in North Fork and subsequent research by UC Merced into gasification technology and using forest biomass for bioenergy.