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San Francisco’s $121 million biogas project will transform wastewater into renewable energy

  • San Francisco’s $121 million biogas project will transform wastewater into renewable energy
    Credit: San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.

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The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) has awarded a $121 million design-build contract for the Southeast Treatment Plant Biogas Utilization Project to PCL Construction, according to a company press release; Stantec will serve as the project’s lead designer.

The ambitious project aims to convert biogas, a natural byproduct of wastewater treatment, into renewable natural gas (RNG) for injection into the Pacific Gas and Electric gas pipeline. This innovation will provide a sustainable solution for managing biogas generated at San Francisco’s largest wastewater facility.

The Southeast Treatment Plant processes an average of 57 million gallons of wastewater daily, handling 80% of the city’s combined stormwater and wastewater. Once complete, the new facility will capture, condition, and upgrade biogas to renewable natural gas using advanced gas conditioning and separation technologies. The project will enable 100 percent beneficial use of the biogas generated at the Southeast Treatment Plant.

“We’re excited once again to collaborate with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and Stantec on a project that not only advances sustainability but also delivers long-term value to the community,” said Richard Hewitt, vice president and district manager for PCL’s Civil Infrastructure Division.

Daniela Brandao, SFPUC senior project manager, commented on the project: “It will upgrade the biogas generated at the Southeast Treatment Plant to renewable natural gas for pipeline injection. It also supports California’s goals for in-state production and distribution of renewable natural gas and aligns with San Francisco’s sustainability objectives. We are looking forward to the positive impact this project will have on our community and the environment.”

“As designers, we are eager to see this project make a difference in this underserved community,” said Billy Wong, regional growth leader at Stantec and design manager for the PCL/Stantec Team. “We are committed to communicating with the public so they understand these benefits and how they will help the surrounding neighborhoods.”

Stantec has begun the design of the facility, which PCL is scheduled to complete in early 2027.

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