Goals from this project are to construct a first-ever commercial scale wood-based renewable energy and biochar production facility on the island of oahu to provide a reliable, ecologically sound,…

On September 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service awarded Simonpietri Enterprises LLC a $2.86 million Project Grant under the Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation Program (CFDA 10.708) to construct a first-ever commercial-scale wood-based renewable energy and biochar production facility on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The facility will process thousands of tons annually of invasive species biomass, converting this waste stream into renewable energy and biochar while eliminating the invasive plant material's capacity to re-seed, spread disease and pests, or serve as a fire vector. The project delivers critical infrastructure supporting forest health restoration and ecological management objectives in a location with limited market opportunities for low-value biomass.

Through August 31, 2028, project activities will encompass the completion of final engineering design, equipment procurement, shipping, installation, and controls systems necessary to operationalize the stationary equipment for renewable energy and biochar production operations. This award represents a significant investment in sustainable technology deployment tailored to address environmental challenges specific to island and tropical environments, aligning with the federal program's objectives to support innovative wood products facilities and biomass energy systems that facilitate forest restoration and create economic opportunities in underserved regions.

Goals from this project are to construct a first-ever commercial scale wood-based renewable energy and biochar production facility on the island of oahu to provide a reliable, ecologically sound, and thorough way to treat thousands of tons per year of invasive species biomass, such that the plants cannot further RE-seed or provide a disease, pest, or fire vector. The project activities are to complete final engineering, procurement, shipping, installation, and controls for the stationary equipment necessary to perform these operations.