TREVOSE, PA — Veolia’s Water Technologies & Solutions unit has been awarded a $34 million contract to implement advanced biogas upgrading technology at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission’s (SFPUC) Southeast Treatment Plant. This initiative is part of a $3 billion modernization project aimed at transforming the city’s largest wastewater facility into a cutting-edge resource recovery center.
Key to the project is Veolia’s state-of-the-art MemGas™ technology, which will convert biogas generated by the plant into pipeline-quality renewable natural gas (RNG). Upon completion, the system will produce enough energy to meet natural gas needs equivalent to around 3,800 homes annually, or approximately 68 gigawatt-hours of energy per year. The facility is expected to begin operations by June 2027, supporting local decarbonization goals and showcasing the circular economy in action.
“This project fulfills our commitments for beneficial use of the biogas generated at the Southeast Treatment Plant, supports California’s state goals for in-state production and distribution of renewable natural gas, and aligns with the City’s sustainability objectives,” said Daniela Brandao, Senior Project Manager at SFPUC.
The Southeast Treatment Plant processes roughly 80% of San Francisco’s combined stormwater and wastewater, treating 45 million gallons daily. The upgraded system will recover biogas from wastewater treatment processes and refine it into biomethane for injection into Pacific Gas & Electric’s grid. This approach ensures 100% beneficial use of the biogas while contributing to local renewable energy production.
“This transformative project showcases how cities can create truly circular systems that not only meet performance criteria but generate clean, renewable energy from what was once considered waste,” stated Anne Le Guennec, Senior Executive Vice President for Worldwide Water Technologies at Veolia. “The SFPUC exemplifies environmental leadership by setting a powerful example for cities worldwide. This is a concrete demonstration of Veolia’s GreenUp strategy, advancing ecological transformation and decarbonization goals.”
The Southeast Treatment Plant upgrades reflect an innovative step toward sustainable urban infrastructure, providing a model for how cities can turn waste into resources while reducing their carbon footprint.
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