Edmonton-based construction giant PCL Construction and engineering firm Stantec have been awarded a $121 million fixed-price design-build contract for the Southeast Treatment Plant Biogas Utilization Project in San Francisco. The initiative aims to convert biogas, a byproduct of wastewater treatment, into renewable natural gas for energy use, according to a Jan. 23 news release from PCL.

PCL, which operates its U.S. headquarters out of Denver, anticipates completing construction by early 2027. Stantec, also headquartered in Edmonton, is leading the design efforts and has already commenced full-scale design work for the facility.

The project will treat biogas produced at the Southeast Treatment Plant, the city’s largest wastewater treatment facility, and upgrade it to renewable natural gas quality. This processed gas will then be injected into the Pacific Gas and Electric pipeline, per the release. The facility, which treats approximately 57 million gallons of wastewater daily, manages about 80% of San Francisco’s combined stormwater and wastewater.

PCL emphasized that the development will contribute to reducing emissions while supporting San Francisco’s renewable energy objectives. The new system will incorporate advanced gas conditioning and separation technologies to ensure the biogas meets renewable natural gas standards for injection into the existing pipeline infrastructure.

“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, PCL’s vice president and district manager for its Civil Infrastructure division, in the release.

This project marks another significant step toward sustainable infrastructure in San Francisco, reinforcing the city’s commitment to renewable energy and environmental responsibility.

Originally reported by Matthew Thibault in Construction Dive.