Green Energy

Green energy comes from natural sources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, plants, algae and geothermal heat. These energy resources are renewable, meaning they're naturally replenished.

Renewable energy sources have a much smaller impact on the environment than fossil fuels, which produce pollutants such as greenhouse gases as a by-product, contributing to climate change.

Sierra Institute understands the importance of renewable energy which is why we are working diligently to pursue innovative and sustainable ways to integrate biomass energy sources into our local communities. Plumas County and other rural communities throughout the Sierra lack access to affordable natural gas; however, we are surrounded by a relatively untapped, accessible, and sustainable fuel source…trees! Trees and other woody biomass can be used to create a low-carbon source of energy that provides power, heat, cooling, and more.

Solar Energy

Biomass Energy

Solar Ovens are really just tip of the iceberg in the world of solar energy. From solar heating to solar lights, solar charging stations, solar camp systems, solar-powered electronics, and more this renewable energy source is diverse and varied.

To find out more about Solar Energy and Options check out the SEIA And the other links below.

Non-profits that provide important resources in solar advocacy, education, and policy initiatives.

American Solar Energy Society (www.ases.org)
Solar Electric Power Association (www.solarelectricpower.org)
The United States Renewable Energy Association, LLC., (www.usrea.org)
American Council on Renewable Energy (www.acore.org)

Building on the widespread consensus that our forests are in need of restoration and that communities and the environment would benefit from the revitalization of the wood industry, Sierra Institute and various partners are working to develop a network of biomass and other wood utilization opportunities throughout Plumas County and beyond. Here are just a few of the things we are working on:

Biomass Boilers: In 2018, a biomass boiler was installed at the Plumas County Health and Human Services Center to provide the building with heat. Sierra Institute continues to assist with facility operations and ensure a steady fuel supply of wood chips sourced from local forest restoration and fire risk reduction projects. We are also working with Quincy High School to explore opportunities to transition from their outdated fuel oil boilers to a wood-fired heating system (biomass boiler).

Innovative Wood Products Campus: We are currently working to clean up an old contaminated mill site in Crescent Mills; once completed, it will be the site of a wood products campus. At the heart of this campus will be a 3-5MW Bioenergy facility that will provide heat and power for a variety of other businesses on site.

Policy: As advocates for expanding the State’s renewable energy portfolio, we are actively engaged in informing and promoting a policy to improve the economic, environmental, and social well-being of rural mountain communities throughout the Sierra through the development and support of biomass energy initiatives.