Tribal Energy Sovereignty Initiative
The Pinoleville Solar Port Installation is proposed to partner with Red Hills Bioenergy Facility and Central Wood Processing Plant to create a comprehensive Tribal Energy Sovereignty Initiative that addresses environmental sustainability, economic development, and workforce training, converting forest waste into clean energy and biochar while installing solar infrastructure to reduce utility costs and providing specialized internships for Tribal members across multiple sectors. Together, these complementary projects strengthen Tribal sovereignty through energy independence while creating meaningful employment opportunities, reducing wildfire risk, generating revenue through innovative waste conversion technology, and establishing a replicable model for sustainable development in Native American communities throughout Northern California.
Project Leads: Pinoleville Pomo Nation and Scotts Valley Energy Corporation
Collaborator (Pinoleville Solar Port Installation): GRID Alternatives Bay Area North Coast
Collaborators (Red Hills Bioenergy Facility & Central Wood Processing Plant): Pinoleville Pomo Nation Vocational Rehabilitation Program, Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance
Pinoleville Solar Port & Renewable Energy Workforce Development
Building Tribal Energy Independence
The Pinoleville Pomo Nation is launching an innovative dual-purpose initiative addressing critical energy and employment challenges facing Native Americans. This "last-mile" project will install a 42KW solar carport system with EV charging stations at the Tribal government complex, reducing utility costs by 25% while providing covered parking for community members.
Creating Pathways to Sustainable Careers
The workforce development component creates ten paid internships—four in renewable energy and six in traditional Tribal skills, agriculture, and social services—providing valuable training for Tribal youth and adults.
Leveraging Partnerships
Building on successful previous solar installations with GRID Alternatives, this project extends partnerships with local Tribes, educational institutions, and health services while implementing PPN's Strategic Energy Plan through culturally sensitive decision-making that ensures equitable distribution of benefits throughout the Tribal community of 350 citizens.
Red Hills Bioenergy Facility & Central Wood Processing Plant
Clean Energy Innovation
The Scotts Valley Energy Company, a Tribal subsidiary, is developing a bioenergy facility to transform agricultural and forest waste into renewable energy and carbon-neutral biochar.
Dual-Purpose Solution
This project addresses environmental challenges by reducing wildfire risk through biomass removal while creating economic opportunities through clean energy generation and biochar production.
Powerful Impact
Key targets include generating 200 net kW of clean energy hourly, reducing 2,140 tons of biomass annually, producing 360 tons of biochar, and creating 10-12 full-time positions.
Tribal Economic Development
With projected annual revenue of $325,000, the facility provides sustainable income for the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians while prioritizing Indigenous employment and culturally sensitive operations.
Regional Sustainability Hub
The project benefits local agricultural businesses and disadvantaged communities by providing clean energy to the grid while addressing critical biomass management needs.
Project at a Glance
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