Biogas Microgrid for Clean Dispatchable Electricity for Linear Generators
Project Update
From November 2025 through March 2026, the project achieved several major construction and coordination milestones. Early work included initiating air permit documentation with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD), coordinating with PG&E, excavation, trenching for the biogas pipeline, placement of low-density cellular concrete, and subcontract reviews between SVCW and Stanford. In January, crews completed concrete placement for equipment pads, received delivery of four linear generators, and finalized the low-pressure biogas pipeline. February progress included anchoring the generators to the concrete pad, pouring the biogas treatment skid pad, constructing electrical connections to the 12 kV switchgear, installing the electrical duct bank for the gas conditioning skid, and executing the PG&E natural gas contract. In March, construction continued with the High-Pressure Digester Gas (DGH) line connection to the linear generators, site civil work, and miscellaneous pipeline work, while procurement of electrical components and telemetry equipment for the 12 kV switchgear remained ongoing.
The Issue
There is substantial misalignment in the timing of biogas production, the generation capacity, and the energy demand at the plant at most Wastewater Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs). The misalignment between biogas production and onsite electricity and gas needs increases the degree to which facilities rely on blending with carbon-intensive fossil gas. Additionally, the biogas renewable energy generation and onsite energy management systems at WRRFs are deeply fragmented and can be unprofitable if not carefully managed. This fragmentation impedes expanded use of WRRFs as centers for organic waste digestion, prevents WRRFs from becoming net energy producers, and impedes integration of clean, dispatchable technologies such as linear generators into wastewater treatment plant energy networks.
Project Innovation
WRRFs need BMC systems for comprehensive plant energy management. A BMC system would deliver value by forecasting plant load and timing biogas production to ensure load alignment. It would also integrate native energy flexibility resources at the WRRF (e.g., food waste storage, flow equalization, backup batteries, blending capacity) to minimize energy consumption during time-of-use periods and maximize participation in demand response programs. These systems are critical to eliminating biogas flaring and ensuring compliant, profitable, and clean onsite electricity generation.
Project Goals
Project Benefits
This Agreement will result in the ratepayer benefits of greater electricity reliability and lower costs by reducing GHG emissions and criteria air pollutants with the deployment of novel, clean, dispatchable linear generator using renewable fuels in the wastewater sector and reduce biogas flaring. Furthermore, establish economic benefits from job creation and support of local clean energy startups.
Affordability
This project will lead to $730,000 in energy cost reductions which is optimized by including 600 kW of additional peak load reduction beyond the site’s current operations and 250 kW potential for demand response which has not previously been a part of Silicon Valley Clean Water energy portfolio.
Economic Development
Installation and operation of the systems will lead to employment of local installers and maintenance technicians and associated local economic benefits to the community.
Environmental Sustainability
This project would reduce air pollutant emissions and associated damages. Linear generators are non-combustion technologies with criteria air pollutant emissions that exceed the standards required for CARB’s Distributed Generation Certification Program. The project has an estimated air pollutant emissions reduction of 1.1 tons NOx per year from meeting the site’s additional energy needs from LGs instead of ICE co-generators.
Reliability
The project will increase reliability and resiliency by deploying additional electric generation systems that will enhance the onsite microgrid. This will result in the reduction of facility’s dependence on the electric grid especially during peak periods.
Key Project Members
Subrecipients
Match Partners
